The recipients of monies raised for the Ethelston Cup charity came together in Whitchurch recently to receive their donations.

A number of clubs, societies and charity funds were all boosted by donations from the charity, which helps raise cash from a series of football games involving clubs across north Shropshire and beyond.

They were joined at the Black Bear pub, at the top of Whitchurch High Street, by Whitchurch Mayor, Councillor Tony Neville, who received a donation of £400 towards his mayoral charity fund.

Other groups who received donations were the Whitchurch branch of Parkinson’s Support, receiving £400 while Mark Sumner, landlord at the Black Bear, received £250 towards a neonatal care unit in Shrewsbury.

John Roberts and Cathy Rutherford, from Whitchurch Training Band, even brought a tuba along in case they needed to knock out a tune for the waiting crowd as they received £400.

Ethelston Cup chairman John Allman was on hand, with fellow members Brian Ashley and Kim Marchbank-Smith, to donate £400 to Whitchurch Waterways Trust member Bernice Slater.

Whitchurch Seniors, which is based in Pearl Yard off Green End, also benefited from a donation as Margaret Clawley received £250 as its representative.

The annual event has long been a supporter of Whitchurch clubs and groups in need of a financial boost.

It dates back to 1908 and was created in memory of Commander Alfred Peel Ethelston, who died in a naval battle during the Second Boer War.