Golden Oldies have joined the bid to raise the final £55,000 for the St Leonard's Hospice 2000 Appeal, with a football match that was strictly for the seniors.

Gothard's Golden Oldies battled it out against the Huntington Over-35s at a special charity match at the Railway Institute in Acomb last weekend, and succeeded in raising £433 for the York hospice.

The St Leonard's appeal is now on the final countdown to the £2 million total needed to provide a much-needed extension to the Tadcaster Road complex.

The match was organised by Steve Gothard, of Acomb, who wanted to do something special to celebrate his 40th birthday.

Steve's wife, Hazel, said more than 100 people joined in the fun on Sunday, as bacon sandwiches were handed out to the players, and their families joined in games and raffles to help raise the money.

Hazel said: "We all had a great day and it was even better to know we were having fun to help the hospice in the final countdown.

"The target is within easy reach now and we all wanted to do our bit to help.

"They were not the most youthful of football players, so everyone was pretty tired. David's team lost 4-3, but he had a great time turning 40!"

Donations can be sent to the St Leonard's fundraising office at 14 York Road, Acomb, York, YO24 4LU, or drop off in an envelope marked for the attention of Emma Harrison, St Leonard's Hospice 2000 Appeal, at the front desk of the Evening Press in Walmgate.

Or you can call in at one of the shops, which are in Fourth Avenue, Tang Hall; The Village, Haxby; Waterloo Lane, Pocklington and the York Road shop, Acomb.

If you are organising or taking part in any activities in the coming weeks to raise money for the appeal contact Emma Harrison in the Evening Press newsroom on 01904 653051 ext: 314 or e-mail on emma.harrison@ycp.co.uk