A CAROL service to raise money for a charity working with Aids sufferers in Africa takes place later this month.

The event, organised by the local branch of Soroptimist International, takes place in St Nicholas' Church in the Market Place, Durham City, at 3pm on Sunday, December 18.

The event has been organised by the Reverend Fiona Eltringham, chaplain to Durham Prison and president of the Soroptimist branch, who will also preside at the service.

The event will raise money to train young people in African communities decimated by Aids, many of which suffer skill shortages because so many adults have died of the disease.

The service has been designed with children in mind and donations to the cause would be welcomed. Coffee and mince pies will be available after the service.

A spokeswoman for the Soroptimist branch said: "Support from the people of Durham and the surrounding area would be much appreciated."