A FOOTBALL match held during mental health awareness week raised £2,400 for South East and Central Essex Mind.

The game, played between London Southend Airport and mental health support group Run Free United, was an entertaining encounter at Southend United's Roots Hall ground.

But, after the match ended 4-4 after 90 minutes, it was London Southend who triumphed on penalties.

And their corporate and social responsibility manager Jo Marchetti was delighted with how well the evening went.

“London Southend Airport is proud to support this, now annual, charity match playing Run Free United," said Marchetti.

"Our airport colleagues have trained hard over the past few months, but it was a nail-biting match, finishing on penalties.

"These events are great for raising much needed funding for our charity partner, SECE Mind but also serve to bring our colleagues, friends, and family together to raise awareness for mental health."

Taylor Allen, Charlie Savage and Adam Sheargold were on target for London Southend who were also boosted by an own goal.

Harry Lynch scored twice for Run Free while Chris Board and Tommy Miller were also on target.

And Run Free co-founder Chris Phillips was proud of the team's efforts.

"It was a really memorable night for everyone at Run Free and everyone in our team was brilliant," said Phillips.

"It was amazing to raise so much money for SECE Mind and to also raise awareness about mental health issues.

"That's what also matters most for us and we're here for anyone suffering who wants to come along and play football.

"It doesn't matter how good or how bad you think you are, you can play us and have fun."