A LAW firm in Oldham has teamed up with a north-west charity to help people understand the physical and mental effects of being held hostage.

Terry Waite and John McCarthy, kidnapped in the Lebanon, will both be in attendance at the Hostage International gathering, supported by Hostage International and Garratts Solicitors.

Charity board member Judith Tebbutt, a former psychiatric hospital social worker, will also be on hand for the March 26 event at London's Old Bailey. The trio will share their experiences of time in captivity and adjusting to life back home.

Stephen Garratt, managing partner at the legal outfit, which has an office in Manchester Street, said: "As lawyers we understand the importance of organisations like Hostage International, which can offer assistance to not only individuals but also families in their hour of need.

"And as a firm, we understand the importance of professional and knowledgeable advice and support to people who find themselves in situations beyond their control, and can only imagine how stressful the kidnap of a loved one would be."

Lara Symons, the charity's director, said: "The trauma of a kidnap, not only for those taken hostage, but also for their families and loved ones, is unimaginable to most of us and we are keenly aware that talking about such experiences isn’t easy. We are grateful to Terry, Judith and John for this unique opportunity to hear their different perspectives."

All proceeds from the event will go to the charity, which was formed by Terry Waite in 2004 and runs a free family and hostage support service.

Waite, then an envoy for the Archbishop of Canterbury, was held hostage for 1,763 days. Journalist John McCarthy was held for more than five years.

To purchase tickets, visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/hostage-international/