A best-selling author is offering a reader the chance to name a character in his next book to help young people with disabilities. Thriller writer, Frederick Forsythe, is holding a charity auction to name a character in his next novel, Cobra, to rais

A best-selling author is offering a reader the chance to name a character in his next book to help young people with disabilities.

Thriller writer, Frederick Forsythe, is holding a charity auction to name a character in his next novel, Cobra, to raise money for Leonard Cheshire Disability which has a care home in Hitchin.

The author of Day of The Jackal and The Odessa File, said: "I had the honour to meet Leonard Cheshire in the early 1990s. I obviously knew of his exemplary military career and of his charity, but I was impressed to hear in detail of the work of his charity.

"My second involvement came in 2003 when I was invited to speak at a dinner in aid of Lavender Fields, in Hitchin that is home to young disabled people. I was immensely impressed by what I saw and the people I met and thought it a wonderful place.

"I will benefit from the auction as I don't have to think of a name for the character, the donor has fun and Leonard Cheshire Disability will benefit.

"The character will be a goodie and can be male or female - as long as it's not an eight syllable name I'll be OK!"

The book is scheduled to be sent to the publisher in December and the auction will end on September 1.

To bid for the name go to www.buyoncegivetwice.co.uk/lots/frederick-forsyth-character