UPPIES and Downies players have chosen to support Workington Town Boys & Girls Club as their charity for this year.

Each year, players raise funds for a good cause following the Easter series. This year they will hold a charity night at Workington’s Railway Club on May 11 and a family duck race earlier on the same day. Last year they raised over £6,000 and they are hoping to raise as much for the boxing club.

Ian Johnson, known as Tut, one of the organisers, said: “The last few years we raised money for sick and disabled children, and this time we decided to do something to give back to the community – we want to give everybody a bite of the cherry.”

Lewis Shepherd, who also helps organise the events, said: “The boxing club is great for the town, it keeps the kids off the street.”

Amanda Rowell, of the club, said: “Our club was founded in 1929, so it’s great to see one great Workington tradition supporting another.We have always received fantastic support over recent years from many of the the regular Uppies and Downies players, so to be chosen as their nominated charity for this year really is fantastic. All monies raised will go towards the running of our club which is run entirely by volunteers. New members are always welcome, Uppies or Downies we welcome them all!”

The club was forced to move from its former base at Moorclose community centre to Mossbay last year and lost many members from the Moorclose area. The club is now encouraging people to join.

Club chairman Phil Dryden said: “Get your kids along we have some fantastic coaches all part of Team WABC Who have been extremely supportive with their time and skills to ensure we are operating in our new premises. As we look to the future we are keen to continue the excellent work and improve on our success.”

“I would like to say on behalf of the club that it is fantastic news that the Uppies and Downies charity committee have chosen our club as the recipient of the charitable fund this year. All income and donations are reinvested in the club to ensure we offer the best possible facility for the young people and wider community in some of the most deprived areas of Workington.Phil added: “The Uppies and Downies team work tirelessly every year to enable voluntary organisations like ours to survive and keep going – we are chuffed to bits to have been chosen this year.”

Tickets for the charity events are available from the Moorclose Spar, Enigma in Westfield, the Oval Centre’s cafe and by messaging the Facebook page Workington Uppies & Downies.