A Kingsbridge man will embark on a life-threatening mission when he travels to war-torn Afghanistan later this year.

John Casson will travel with former ITV reporter and charity worker Sandy Gill to take a closer look at what life is really like in Afghanistan.

He will write a report about his experiences which will be supported by photographs and video clips.

According to Mr Casson, this will be far more interesting and beneficial than a sponsored walk.

His report will be assessable to those who kindly sponsor him through a password protected page on his web site.

Mr Casson, who works for Securewest International, is also organising a series of talks to raise money for Sandy Gall's Afghanistan Appeal (SGAA).

Since 1986, SGAA has provided artificial limbs and walking aids for more than 20,000 patients and physiotherapy treatment for nearly 50,000 patients.

John Casson: "I was very impressed by the work of Sandy Gall's Afghanistan Appeal and I would like to help this outstanding charity with this fundraising initiative."

The Halo Trust says there are still hundreds of thousands of landmines in Afghanistan, the result of 25 years of virtually uninterrupted warfare.

In consequence, a huge number of Afghans have been disabled; the UN estimates three per cent of the population are directly affected and 10 per cent indirectly affected.

During the terrible upheaval of war in Afghanistan and the oppressive rule of the Taliban, SGAA remained in the country continuingly helping the Afghan people despite the risks when other charities would have understandably pulled out.

Mr Casson will hold an informal dinner at South Pool Village Hall on Saturday 4 October.

The village hall has hosted many popular speaker dinner engagements in the past and provides a great and convivial venue for a winter's night.

During the dinner, Mr Casson will talk about SGAA, daily life and the situation in Afghanistan.

Tickets for the three-course dinner cost £30 each and can be booked online at www.johncassonfundraising.com/south-pool-booking.php.

Mr Casson says he is hoping to raise around £20,000 for the charity.

"Two years ago I had the great honour to meet Sandy and his wife, Eleanor, who so ably supports Sandy with his charity," explained Mr Casson.

"I was very impressed by the work of Sandy Gall's Afghanistan Appeal and I would like to help this outstanding charity with this fundraising initiative.

"Please be assured that this is a very well run and administered charity. Fiona, their daughter, has been in Afghanistan for many years personally involved with the charity's day-to-day activities. Unlike many charities little is spent on administration overheads, donations are spent wisely.

"Those who know me well will appreciate from my past fundraising activities that I will not support a charity which does not set exacting standards. I can assure you that Sandy's charity has the highest of standards."

For more information about SGAA, visit www.sandygallsafghanistanappeal.org.