A RETIRED solicitor who is preparing for a fundraising trek across Dracula country is organising a rhythm and blues gig next Saturday (August 8) at Studio Theatre.

Peter Mitchell is raising money for Hope and Homes for Children and will be one of 21 people to take part in a three-day trek in September across the Carpathian Mountains of Romania.

A long-time supporter of the charity, he is looking forward to seeing some of its work in Bucharest during the trip which ends at Dracula's Castle.

Taking a plentiful supply of garlic and a crucifix, he said: "The locally-based Hope and Homes for Children is an internationally-respected charity that helps orphaned and vulnerable children in Eastern Europe and Africa to find loving family homes and real hope for the future.

"I am constantly inspired by the amazing work they do and the results they achieve."

Peter, who is semi-retired, is a home support worker for the Alzheimers Society and a supervisor at Salisbury's National Trust shop and last took part in a fundraising hike in Peru on the Inca trail in aid of the same charity.

The gig next Saturday will feature the Rhythm Blasters band and include a range of fifties and sixties music from rhythm and blues to rock and roll.

Tickets (£8) can be bought on the door or booked prior to the event by emailing peter.mitchell203@ntlworld.com or calling 07986 133776.

To support Peter click here