BLINDED police officer PC David Rathband is to take part in a charity golf day to raise cash for injured emergency service personnel.

Twelve months after being shot in the face by fugitive gunman Raoul Moat, the officer will be taking part in a golf match at the Ramside Hall Hotel, near Durham City, alongside other blind golfers, emergency service workers and business people.

The 43-year-old will be taking part in first-ever golfing fundraiser organised by the Blue Lamp Foundation, the charity he set up to raise £1m support emergency service personnel injured in the line of duty.

The 18-hole game takes place on July 1 and will be followed by a black-tie gala dinner.

PC Rathband said: "It will be almost a year to the day since I survived what was a horrific attack when this event takes place.

"But I am determined not to dwell on what has happened in the past but to celebrate the future.

"The amount of support that has been shown to me, since I was shot, never ceases to amaze me and the numbers attending the event are a testament to this.

"We have 30 teams taking part in the golf, including a blind team, and I'm very much looking forward to the day itself and showing that people don’t have to stop doing what they enjoy even after life changing events."

Tickets for the evening event - featuring comedian Alfie Joey, singer Jason Issacs and supported by Sight and Sound Technology - are £50.

For tickets or a place in the golf tournament, please visit www.bluelamp-foundation.org or call 0870 478 7960.