REGULARS at a pub near York have raised more than £1,100 for the City of York Afghanistan Commemorative Appeal by taking on the challenge of an army assault course.

Customers from the Tiger Inn at Haxby went on the course at Queen Elizabeth Barracks, Strensall.

The sponsored event was organised by Dave Hunter, a retired warrant officer from the Parachute Regiment.

The daring ten who took part were Andy Bell, Boz Bosworth, Bra Sterling, Andy Murphy, Caroline Broadberry, Tam Carmichael, Stew Evers, Paul Frank, Shaun McDonnell and Lee Mitchell.

Dave said that Tam, at 56, was the oldest entrant, while Andy Bell was the fastest to complete the course.

He said Warrant Officer Graham “Reggie” Perrin, who is in charge of the assault course, gave the contestants instructions before they took part in the challenge, which they survived unscathed.

Sponsorship was topped up by anonymous donations, a raffle by Lorna Shannon and collections held at the pub over three nights. He thanked Denise and Kevin Savory, who run the Tiger and organised a buffet.

The cheque for £1,125, which was presented to Chief Reporter Mike Laycock at a special presentation evening at the pub, is the biggest single donation to date for the appeal, and it takes the total raised so far to more than £5,000.

The appeal aims to create a permanent public artwork to commemorate the thousands of servicemen and women from the York area who have been involved in the conflict in Afghanistan, as well as a memorial to those who have died there.

Any other individuals or organisations who would like to organise a fundraising event for the appeal should contact Mike Laycock on 01904 567132 or email mike.laycock@thepress.co.uk

Anyone wishing to make a donation should send cheques payable to The City of York Afghanistan Commemorative Appeal to Mike Laycock, The Press, 76-86 Walmgate, York, YO1 9YN.