A CHARITY football tournament in north Durham over the weekend has raised over £4,500 for Cancer Research.

The Mary Hayton Charity Football Day was held on Saturday at the Welfare Ground at Sacriston Cricket Club, which allowed her family to use the facilities for free.

As well as the football, there were raffles as well as hot and cold refreshments.

Former Newcastle United player John Beresford, whose son was taking part, presented all of the children who competed with their medals.

The event has been held for the last ten years in memory of Mary Hayton, from Sacriston, who died from cancer of the pancreas in June 2003, aged 42.

Her family has raised over £40,000 for Cancer Research since then and have vowed to keep the annual event running.

Her sister, Eileen Jones, said: “She would be so proud of everyone for taking and with the amount that has been raised.

“She certainly sent the sunshine to us for the day. It was absolutely amazing.”

Langley Park over 40s drew 0-0 with Sacriston over 40s, while Langley Park WMC beat Sacriston WMC 4-2 for the May Hayton Shield with four youth teams from the area also taking part.