MORE events are being planned by the Mayor of Kirklees to help local soldiers.

During his time as mayor, Clr David Ridgway has chosen The Yorkshire Regiment Benevolent Trust to benefit from his fundraising efforts.

The charity supports soldiers of the regiment and their families and all its antecedent regiments, who have found themselves in difficulty or need.

Clr Ridgway has already raised thousands of pounds so far, but is determined to do even more in 2013.

The calls on the benevolent trust are increasing year on year, and over the past three years they have handed out more than £300,000.

The mayor, who has already undertaken several fundraising activities, said: “It is an honour to work with the trust, for whose work I have nothing but admiration.

“I have walked the Kirklees Way, I have shaken buckets at various local supermarkets, watched Huddersfield Town play for our service personnel and with great pride I hosted a homecoming parade for Corunna Company back in October when they returned from Afghanistan.

“I would like to thank everyone who has been generous enough to donate their time and energy in assisting me in my endeavours so far, and of course to those who have kindly made a donation.”

Events so far planned for 2013 include:

January 25 – Casino Night.

Huddersfield’s Grosvenor Casino is to be the venue for the fundraising night. The event will run from 8pm and tickets will be £12 including supper.

For details ring 07825 131004.

February 7 – Night of entertainment at the Frontier Club, Batley.

The evening’s entertainment will include tributes to Tony Christie, Paul Heaton of the Beautiful South, Gene Pitney and other acts including A Diva, Active Edge, comedian Johnny Casson plus one more to be confirmed. There will also be a disco until midnight.

Tickets are £12 each and there will be tables of four or six. Contact organiser Steve Fisher at 01132 897309 or 07740 396128.

February 22 – Gala Opera Dinner at the Durker Roods Hotel, Meltham.

The black tie event will take place from 7.30pm and will begin with a champagne reception followed by a three-course meal.

Four talented opera singers will serenade guests throughout the evening.

Tickets cost £50 each and are available from Ann Talboys on 01484 665843 or ann.talboys@btinternet.com

March 8 – Pig Race.

The event is to be run by the Huddersfield Oddfellows. Tickets cost £10 and will include a supper of pie and peas.

Participants can pay £5 to ‘own’ one of 36 battery-powered pigs.

Contact Andrew Porter on 01484 640224 or by email Andrew.porter@oddfellows.co.uk