FREE tickets for Saturday's Blues match are now on offer to community groups, schools and charities across Southend.

The tickets for Southend United v Northampton will be allocated on a first come, first served basis and are being made available through a grant from the Essex and Southend Sports Trust.

The charity, which supports sport in the county, has worked with the council to ensure community groups, and particularly young people, can benefit from sports opportunities.

The charity has donated £5,000 to buy tickets from Southend United especially for local groups.

Environment director Andy Lewis said: "We hope many community groups, schools and charities in Southend will take advantage of this free offer."

Trust chairman Peter Butler said: "We are delighted to offer free entrance to a wide range of deserving groups who can have a great day out watching league class football live in Southend."

To obtain tickets, call 01702 215119.