A SCHOOL'S annual charity football match between students and staff raised £1,000 and attracted its largest ever crowd.

Whitworth Park School and Sixth Form College, in Spennymoor, played the game at Spennymoor Town FC's Brewery Field earlier this month.

The event has been held for ten consecutive years and raised about £8,000 for local charities.

It has become a popular feature of the school calendar and this year attracted more than 500 supporters included Stuart and Paula Parnaby, patrons of this year's chosen charity 4Louis.

Mr Parnaby, a former Premier League footballer currently playing at Hartlepool United, and his wife got involved with the charity after losing baby Poppy in 2014.

They said: "As patrons of 4Louis we are extremely grateful for Whitworth Park School raising money for the charity.

"Thank you to all who took part or came along to watch.

"The money raised will mean a lot more bereaved parents will be able to capture precious memories of their babies."

PE teacher Andy Lowe praised staff, students, Spennymoor Town FC and volunteers who supported the event and said the school was happy to help a charity that does fantastic work supporting bereaved parents.

He added: "This fixture continues to go from strength to strength.

"It is a real school and community event."

The staff team won 1-0, a seventh win over students.