A GROUP of plucky footballers raised more than £1,000 for a popular community centre.

A fantastic atmosphere greated the 100 players and 120 spectators forturned out in the sunshine for Redbridge Redbridge Jewish Community Centre's five-a-side football fundraiser.

The 12 team sell out event at Fairlop Powerleague, Forest Road, Hainault, was organised by businessman Jon Jacobs, who as a volunteer has been the football coordinator for the centre’s eight teams since 2001.

He said: “This is the second charity competition we have done at Redbridge and is already becoming an annual fixture in the fundraising calendar.

"We had over 100 footballers helping to raise funds for Jewish Care and the weather was perfect.”

The winning team was called ‘Dicky’s Friends’ and were captained by Richard Kanolik with Richard Stern, Daniel Orgel, Jamie Cooper, Daniel Cooper, Scott McKenzie.

Centre Manager Richard Shone said: “There was a fantastic atmosphere and was great to see so many people turn up in the heat to support the teams and help raise money for Redbridge JCC, the guys playing really did us proud.”