A CHURCH is hosting a charity night to raise money for a young soldier who was recently wounded in the Middle East.

Private Chrissy Thompson has had to have part of his leg amputated after a mine blast in Iraq, and is now recuperating at his home in Bishop Auckland.

His local church, in Woodhouse Lane, Bishop Auckland, is holding a charity night on Wednesday, and proceeds from the event will be split between Pte Thompson and the Great North Air Ambulance.

Doors will open at 6.30pm, and a concert by the Shildon Salvation Army Band will start at 7.30pm.

One of the organisers of the event said: "Chrissy was a member of our youth club and we want to do what we can to help.