A LOCAL football team are hoping to raise more than £5,000 at a charity football evening later this month.

Old Town United are holding the event at the County Ground on March 29 to raise money for Prospect Hospice, Macmillan Cancer Support, Cancer Research UK and The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

The event was organised after three of the young players recently lost a parent to cancer, so in tribute to them, the children organised the fundraiser. It will take the form of three matches involving OTUFC U14 v Brinkworth Cats, OTUFC U15 v Shrivenham & Watchfield and OTUFC U18 v FC Abbeymeads.

Secretary Caroline Black said: “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.

“The North Wilts League has kindly offered to assist with handling donations. 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.”

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.

Caroline said: “We have also secured the services of Premier League referee, Mark Halsey, who will officiate one of the matches.

“Gates will open at 6pm, with the first match kicking off at 6.30pm, each team will play 40 minutes.”