CROWDS turned out in force at Grove Corner on Saturday to celebrate the life of local hero Barry Lawley and raise more than £1,000 for a worthy cause.

Those who attended the charity event at the home of Portland United made it a day to remember for family and friends of the late Blues’ player and manager, who passed away earlier this year.

The activities began with a seven-a-side match between the under-9s of Portland United Sports and Weymouth Youth, with goals from Brinley Doyle (2), Charlie Rowe and Lewis Howe giving the hosts a 4-1 victory and the Barry Lawley Trophy.

After a penalty shoot-out involving the youngsters, a special game between a Portland XI and Islanders XI – two clubs that Lawley managed – saw players past and present dust off their boots in memory of the man they either played for or with.

In the end it was Portland who emerged as 6-4 winners with Darren Whyton (2), Darren Deadman (2), Maurice Welch and Lawley’s grandson Jake Masters scoring for the victors.

Paul Holmes (2), Simon Austin and Pat Reader got on the scoresheet for the Islanders.

Speaking after the event, Lawley’s daughter, Donna Marquis, said: “It was absolutely brilliant and altogether on the day we raised £1,164 for the Chalbury Unit at Weymouth Community Hospital.

“Two of the staff from the unit were there to accept the money which was really nice because they could see what we had done.

“It just showed how much dad was really thought of and he would have been really proud of Jake for scoring a goal.”

Whyton, a close family friend who helped organise the day, was also thrilled with how everything went.

He added: “It was a good day all round and hopefully we’ll be able to make it an annual thing.”

The Lawley family, including Barry’s wife Jose, would like to thank everyone who attended, those that played in the matches, Doctor Robert, Weymouth Ukeleleans and Chris Palmer for the music, A1 Bouncy Castle Hire and Funny Face Paint Parties for making the event such a big success.

Match ball sponsor: Jim Hind and Sally