KARATE club members will balance black belts with black ties when they stage a fundraising fight night in aid of Barry Island soldier Dale Leach.

The Rising Sun Karate Club will mark the official opening of the Samurai Martial Arts and Fitness Centre by raising funds for both Dale and the Help for Heroes charity.

Dale was badly injured in Afghanistan earlier this year, but is recovering well and undergoing rehabilitation at Headley Court near Epsom.

Sempai Spencer Bennett said: "The losses our country has suffered as a consequence of this war have been tragic.

"So many dedicated men and women have given their lives doing what they can to combat the war against terror.

"We want to honour these men and women and give whatever we can back to those who need it, so we are lending our very special celebration to their cause."

The club is appealing to local businesses and individuals to buy seats at six available tables.

The entertainment will include a performance from the Rising Sun Demo Squad and sponsored juniors competing in sequence doing as many consecutive one-minute bouts as they can.

There will also be entertainment from a local dance troupe and a vocal performance from a local act.

The action begins at The Savoy, Barry, at 7pm on Thursday, December 10.

For details and to sign up to the event, call Holly Smith on 01446 744503 or 07825 776839.