FOOTBALLERS who wanted to help the community are raising money for children.

The football team at the Fighting Cocks pub, in Middleton St George, took part in a 24-hour rowing machine relay at the weekend.

The money raised will go to Magic FM radio's Make a Child Smile campaign, which helps children in the region.

The team was supported by the landlords of the Fighting Cocks, Ian and Sue Kemble, who allowed them to use the pub as a venue for the rowing marathon.

Team fundraiser Paul Teasdale also persuaded his employers, npower, to donate money.

He said: "This year, having raised sufficient funds and sponsorship for our own purposes, we were in a position to make an effort to return something to our community by raising funds for charity.

"Our members wished to raise money for the benefit of local children.