A LOCAL soldier has raised more than £2,600 for charity while on a United Nations peacekeeping operation overseas.

Lance corporal Cindy Gavin, a reservist soldier with 154 Scottish Transport Regiment, organised activities to raise money for ABF The Soldiers' Charity when she was in Cyprus last year.

Cindy contacted the charity - which helps soldiers, veterans and their immediate families in need - before she left for tour and offered to raise vital funds during her time on the island.

The kind-hearted solider from Skelmorlie then went on to organise fundraisers - including a 5k run and party nights - with help from colleagues in 27 Regiment RLC, who were also in Cyprus at the time.

Cindy, who is a medic, said: "The Cyprus tour was fantastic.

"I'm very proud of the amount of money we raised.

"I didn't think we would raise that amount.

"It was quite difficult organising the events and fundraising as well as doing my job but it was for a great cause.

"I’m hoping to hand over the gauntlet to the next tour coming in and hopefully they will continue to raise money for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity."

Charles Dunphie, regional director of Scotland for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity said: "We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Lance Corporal Cindy Gavin for her fundraising efforts in support of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.

"With this considerable amount of money, we can continue to support the wellbeing of the British Army when they need it most."

Cindy will soon be joining up as a regular Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) soldier with 1 Medical Regiment based in Tidworth.