THE FINAL play of a commemorative First World War football event has seen funds handed over to military charities.

Dorchester Town Football Club hosted a football match against a Dorset Army side before Christmas as a tribute to events 100 years ago when troops put down their arms to sing carols and play football.

The event raised funds for Combat Stress and Blesma (the British Limbless Ex Service Men's Association) and a total of £3,694.62 was handed over to the charities.

A raffle on the night also raised over £100 for the Royal British Legion.

Around 1,000 people braved the cold as Dorchester won 7-0 against their Army counterparts on the night but the occasion was remembered as much for the carols, music and service of remembrance before kick off as it was for the match itself.

The county fundraiser for the Royal British Legion Ian Jarvis accepted a cheque from club chairman Matt Lucas on behalf of the three military charities ahead of the Magpies home game against Cirencester.

They were joined by the mascots from the memorial match, who went on to act as mascots again for the Cirencester game.

The match also provided another opportunity to boost British Legion funds as the charity was invited to have a bucket collection at the ground.

Dorchester Town FC community director and organiser of the First World War match Allen Knott said he was delighted to round off events by handing over the funds to the charities.

He also thanked all those who had turned out on the night to support the event and those involved with organising it.

Mr Knott said: “I couldn't be more delighted with the response of so many people who helped us to honour the citizens of Dorchester who died in the First World War conflict and helped to raise money for today's service personnel in need.”

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