A CHARITY football match between legends teams from West Bromwich Albion, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Stourbridge FC has raised more than £10,000 for Mary Stevens Hospice.

Stars such as Geoff Horsfield, Adam Proudlock, Ian Hamilton, Des Lyttle, James Chambers and Nigel Quashie laced up their boots to return to the pitch and compete for the Jane Webb Memorial Trophy for the fourth time, with West Bromwich Albion running out comfortable 6-1 winners to retain the trophy for the third year in a row.

A family fun day in the grounds of Stourbridge FC's War Memorial Athletic Ground ran alongside the match and featured a bouncy slide, soft play area, fairground games, a football-themed market, a sporting memorabilia auction, a live screening of the Wolves vs Watford FA Cup semi-final and the chance to meet the stars of the Fundraising Energy Mascot Race, which included Snow White, two Wombles, Stevie the Hospice Bear and Gerald the Toys 'R' Us Giraffe.

Schoolchildren were also given the opportunity to lead the teams onto the field and meet the players as ball boys and mascots and three local youth football teams took to the pitch at half-time to receive trophies from Baggies legend, Bob Taylor, for their performances in recent tournaments supporting the hospice.

Mark Naylor, WBA goalkeeping coach and event co-organiser, said: “Every year, Matt and I find ourselves completely overwhelmed and humbled by the support the day receives and the kindness and generosity of all involved.

"To walk onto the pitch and see 1,500 people cheering and supporting the game is a feeling we'll never forget and I'd just like to express my sincere thanks to everyone who came along to support the event and to all of the players who donated their Sundays to help make families in our area make memories in tribute to Jane."

Stevan Jackson, chief executive officer at Mary Stevens Hospice, said: “It was a phenomenal occasion once again and we as a charity simply can't tell Matt and Mark how grateful we are to them for making it all possible. They have now raised more than £60,000 in memory of Matt's mom, Jane, and the impact that money has made here at the hospice over the last three years simply can't be overstated.

"I'd also like to say a huge thank you to all of the volunteers who donated their Sunday in order to put this event on with us, it's not an exaggeration to say that we simply couldn't raise the money we need to care for families without the dedication and kindness of our volunteers and staff and we are privileged to receive their support at our events."

The game will return in April 2020 with Wolves legend Matt Murray already signed up to be involved.

The next event on the hospice calendar will be an Easter-themed coffee morning and obstacle course in the hospice grounds on Saturday April 20, which will also include entertainment from the X-Factor's Russell Jones and a petting zoo.