AN AMERICAN pastor who says he was shot in Syria ten days ago is due to visit a church near Northallerton tomorrow (October 20).

Bill Wilson works with children in deprived neighbourhoods in Brooklyn, New York and founded Metro World Child, America’s largest ministry for children. He is described as an advocate for inner city children around the world.

He will be visiting the Hollybush Christian Fellowship, a chapel based on a farm near South Otterington in North Yorkshire at 7.30pm tomorrow.

Earlier this month, on October 10, he was reportedly shot in the back on the Syrian border while participating in Sunday school and medical ministry work. His supporters say the bullet-proof vest deflected the bullet, but the velocity of the shot broke several ribs, punctured his lung and fractured his skull.

After the injury, he was taken to Jerusalem and from there was sent on to London to receive follow-up medical care.

Jim Wilkinson from Hollybush Fellowship, said Bill Wilson intends to carry on with his UK tour and is due to appear at their church.

The US pastor visits the farm-based church every year.

He said: “Just ten days ago he was in Syria and cracked his skull, but he’s still continuing with his itinerary. We only found out about two days ago that he had had this accident.”