TWO organisations in West Cornforth have had their coffers boosted thanks to a group of sporty fundraisers.

The Cornforth Partnership and West Cornforth Community Association each received cheques for £575 to go into general funds.

The money was raised at a charity match between West Cornforth Rugby Club and Durham City Rugby Club, which featured youth players and prison service staff, at Easter.

Similar events in the past have supported Help for Heroes and the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

Alan Hodgson is chairman of the partnership, which provides a variety of services in and around the village including youth work, training, advice, support, a community garden and mobile meals.

He said: “I think it is absolutely great.

“A team of lads in the village came together a couple of years ago and started fundraising for good causes.

“Some hadn’t seen a rugby ball but now the village has a team that plays regularly to raise funds, it is really good of them to support the village.”

Paul Ferguson, chairman of the association which runs the community centre, said: “It means a lot to get this donation, a lot of groups use the centre and it will benefit everyone.”