Charity match at Layer Road

6:59am Thursday 1st May 2008

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A team of dairy workers is taking on a team from an employment agency in a charity football match.

Footballers from Arla Foods based in Hatfield Peverel and Braintree-based CSS Recruitment Services are competing at Layer Road - home of Colchester United FC - tomorrow night.

The match is being held to raise money for Search Dogs Essex (SDE) - a voluntary organisation which helps the police and local search and rescue teams.

David Patterson, chairman of SDE, said he was contacted by Arla as they wanted to raise money to help the association.

"They put us forward to receive their sponsorship so all the proceeds are coming to us.

"We are trying to save up for a new vehicle and this will help us immensely," Mr Patterson said.

The target for the fundraising is £11,000 and Mr Patterson said Colchester United FC had donated £5,000 and a further £4,000 has also been raised.

Darren Beccles from the Arla team said the players are paying £10 to play and there will be collection tins in the stadium.

"Everyone is really excited and it should be a good night - it will be great to play there before it is knocked down," Mr Beccles said.

The match at Layer Road is from 7.45pm and it is free entry.