A FORMER team mate of a Wem man who died earlier this year was 'blown away with the generosity' of people in the town for helping raise just over £2,700 for charity.

Chris Saxton played alongside Craig Lear-Jones for the FC White Lion and recently played alongside former teammates in a memorial match on Saturday, July 24 in Wem Sports and Social Club in Bowens Field to honour Craig and raise money for both Wem Town FC and items to aid the teaching of autistic children in St Peter's CE Primary and Nursery School.

Both people and businesses in the town donated money and gifts for the event and Chris said the donations were incredible.

He added: "We are completely blown away with the generosity shown by both local businesses, and the community.

"The gifts of prizes for the raffle, and donations were absolutely incredible.

"The day was absolutely brilliant, and we know next year will be even bigger and better.

"Using the platform of football is a perfect way to keep 'Bernie's' memory alive.

"He was a key member of the FC White Lion team both on, and off the pitch, and he'll be sorely missed by so many of us."

Chris paid tribute to those who donated and added they would never have been able to raise the money without the support of the town.

He said: "We have totalled up all the money raised, and the total amount has surpassed anything we could have dreamt of.

"I say 'we,' but it's more like 'you.'

"Without everyone involved, no matter how big or small the involvement, we couldn't have done it without you.

"You helped raise a magnificent amount of just over £2,700.

"This amazing generosity will help buy much needed equipment for Wem Town FC, across all age groups, as well as funding items for St Peter's School, to aid them in teaching autistic children."

Chris said money would be used for a memorial bench to remember both Craig and his sister Tara who lost her life in 2017.

He explained: "We have also decided to put some of the money aside to help towards getting a memorial bench in memory of both Craig and his sister Tara.

"More updates on where the money will go will follow in due course.

"But in the mean time all we can say again is thank you."