AN evening garden party at Charlecote Park is being held tonight (Thursday) and the event is a sell out.

So popular is the prestige function in aid of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association - Forces Help, that all 220 tickets were snapped up within days of becoming available.

Each year the charity needs to raise a minimum of £5,000 to maintain its work supporting both serving and ex-service personnel and their families in Warwickshire.

The cedar lawns of the Elizabethan manor will provide a spectacular setting for the garden party and the Warwickshire band of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers will play during the evening. A buffet supper will be served in the orangery and there will be a tombola.

The charity is always anxious to know about former service personnel and their families who may be in need of help and support in difficult times. There is also a need for additional caseworkers, especially in the Stratford area. Anyone who wants more information can contact SSAFA head office on 0171 403 8783.