BUSINESSES from across the region went football crazy and raised more than £8,000 for charity during a six-a-side tournament.

Brierley Hill law firm Higgs & Sons’ much anticipated annual event saw 48 sides battle it out for the title, with the team from Lloyds Bank Commercial Birmingham beating Curo Chartered Accountants in the final.

The day was hailed a huge success after almost £8,300 was raised for Higgs’ chosen charity of the year, children’s charity the NSPCC.

Richard Griffiths, a partner in the firm’s corporate team and one of the organisers, said: “The Higgs & Sons charity football tournament continues to go from strength to strength since being launched in 2006, and this year was no exception.

“Despite a real air of competitiveness on the pitch, off the pitch there is a fantastic sense of pulling together to raise as much money as possible for a good cause while having some fun.

“It’s very rewarding to see the same teams returning each year, as well as new ones coming on board, and it really is a testament to the quality of the event.”

Working alongside the NSPCC, the Waterfront-based firm has already helped to raise much needed funds and awareness for this important cause.

The annual tournament is one of the headline events that the company organises in support of its designated chosen charity, with last year’s event raising £7,000 for the Alzheimer's Society.

Tim Jones, head of Higgs’ corporate social responsibility programme, said: “The firm does so much to support charities throughout the region.

“The annual six-a-side tournament is one of several keynote events we hold each year which help to raise much needed funds.

“The support we receive is fantastic and we’d like to thank everyone who came along to help make the event so special.”