Tony Hopper is such a vastly respected figure that he will leave a lasting "legacy", says Workington boss Dave Hewson.

The Reds manager was among scores of former team-mates and colleagues who took part in Sunday's emotional charity game.

It saw ex-players from Carlisle and Workington along with nearly 3,000 fans pay tribute to Hopper, who is fighting motor neurone disease.

And Hewson said the reception Hopper received from the Cumbrian public at Brunton Park showed the true measure of the man.

Hewson said: "It was just great to have an opportunity to show our respects and appreciation to a true local legend.

"It was such a great turnout from both sets of supporters and the reception he got shows how much love there is for him around the community.

"Both teams were made up of lads who've known him growing up, as a friend, or as a team-mate, and every single person says the same things about Tony Hopper - that he's one of the most honest, genuine and well-respected men that there is.

"It's a shame it takes something like this to bring everyone together but under these circumstances it was still great to see some of the old faces from Workington across to Carlisle.

"There was a great atmosphere in both camps, which is what Tony would have wanted.

"And that standing ovation at the end - that is Tony Hopper. That is what everyone thinks of him. He'll have a legacy as far as I'm concerned."

Sunday's game raised cash for the Motor Neurone Disease Association as well as Jigsaw Hospice, Great North Air Ambulance and United's community sports trust.

The News & Star is backing the Hoppers' bid to raise funds and awareness for the MND Association with our Fighting Back for Tony campaign.

To donate to the Hoppers' fightback fund for the MND Association's north and west Cumbria branch, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Tony-Hopper