AN army veteran who set up a charity to help ex-soldiers get into work through sport is holding his first rugby match in aid of the cause.

Tommy Lowther, of Butterknowle, Teesdale, launched Sporting Force in 2014.

The former 1st Battalion Light Infantry private suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after serving in Iraq, Ireland and Gibraltar and has been working with football clubs throughout the UK to provide opportunities for veterans.

The charity has been so successful that a company have asked the 35-year-old father-of-two to replicate the programme in America.

And now he is hosting its first rugby match at an open day with the Newcastle Falcons on Remembrance Day, November 11.

The Armed Forces match will be played just before the 5pm Falcons' game with Cardiff Blues at home, at Kingston Park Stadium, in Newcastle.

Attendees will receive tickets to see both the charity and professional match while there will also be a pitch walk at half time, which all veterans are welcome to join the charity in doing.

The match is open to all tri service veterans all those who are still serving wounded, injured or sick.

To register an interest in paying visit sportingforce.org/application-form or email cherylanne.lowther@sportingforce.org or alternatively call 0800-0509502.

Further details will be released on the Sporting Force website in the coming weeks.