Family fun day for former soldiers

A LEICESTERSHIRE charity which helps exservicemen and women struggling to cope with civvy street is hosting its fourth annual fundraiser.

The event in aid of Once, We Were Soldiers is being held at Barlestone St Giles football club in Barton Road this Saturday.

Opening at 11am the family fun day features a host of attractions including zorb balls, go karts, fairground rides, an inflatable slide, demonstrations in karate and salsa dancing and a variety of stalls selling handmade crafts, local produce and homemade edibles.

Buying a raffle ticket could win a lucky patron a drive around Daytona race track, a guided tour of Leicester City Football Club, tickets to Alton Towers or a chance to try indoor sky diving.

Lots of prizes are on offer in the tombola too and a special kiddies tombola offers a prize every time.

Returning for the second year is the dog show with registration on the day from 11am with the show starting at 1pm.

The competition is open to all kinds of canine and features fun categories such as waggiest tail and scruffiest hound. Entry is £2.

Demonstrations by blue light services, including the police and fire brigade, are due to take place with the opportunity to chat to officers and firefighters and learn more about their work and equipment.

Children will have fun sitting in the vehicles and sounding the sirens.

Food and drink will be on offer with both light and alcoholic refreshments.

The fun continues into the evening from 7pm with an open mic night which culiminates in a disco to round off the entertainment.

The day is free although a donation at the gate is appreciated and all proceeds will be going to help support soldiers in need.