AN MP sponsored a player at a football club charity match that raised cash for injured soldiers.

James Duddridge, MP for Rochford and Southend East, sponsored Antonio Mehmeti as Great Wakering Rovers FC raised cash for charity Help for Heroes during the club’s game against Needham Market FC at Burroughs Park on Saturday.

The club is still counting the cash, but expects to have raised more than £500 through a raffle, cake sale, donations and the sale of Help for Heroes wristbands and badges.

Commercial manager John Galley said: “The day was fantastic. It went very well. We chose Help for Heroes because the football club was started 96 years ago by ex-servicemen returning from the First World War.”

Mr Duddridge said: “It’s an excellent event. It’s great to raise money for Help for Heroes and the football club also brings together the community in Great Wakering.”

The match finished 2-2.