YOUNG footballers will be united in raising money for cancer charities in a tournament later this month.

Old Town United wants to raise in excess of £5,000 by getting as many people as possible to attend a football evening at the County Ground in aid of local and national cancer charities.

It takes place on Thursday, March 29, and will take the form of three matches involving OTUFC U14 v Brinkworth Cats, OTUFC U15 v Shrivenham and Watchfield and OTUFC U18 v FC Abbeymeads.

The club has also managed to secure the services of Premier League referee Mark Halsey, who has fought cancer himself, to officiate one of the matches.

Old Town United secretary Caroline Black said: “Sadly, three of our young players have recently lost a parent to this dreadful disease, so in tribute to them their children will play at the home of Paolo DiCanio’s mighty Swindon Town FC.

“Swindon Town FC, the North Wilts Youth and Minor League and the Wiltshire FA have all been fantastic in supporting our event.

“The goal is to raise as much money as possible, which will be divided between the chosen charities of each of the families; Prospect Hospice, Macmillan Cancer Support, Cancer research UK and The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

“We want this to be an unforgettable event.”

Local radio personality Howard Taylor will compere the evening and introduce a host of Swindon Town stars from the past including the legendary Don Rogers and John Trollope.

Gates will open at 6pm, with the first match kicking off at 6.30pm, with each team playing 40 minutes. Afterwards there will be a short presentation and a live band in the Winners Lounge.

The North Wilts League has offered to assist with handling donations and anyone wishing to make a donation can make cheques payable to “In Tribute to” and post to: InTributeto, NWDL Treasurer, 14 Beverley, Swindon SN5 8BH.