YOUNG sporting stars have embraced the spirit of Christmas with a Cash for Kids fundraising effort.

After hearing about CFM’s Cash for Kids charity, Whitehaven Miners Juniors, including players from the under-nines and under-10s teams, donated gifts to a worthy cause.

A Christmas fair was held on November 30 at Whitehaven Miners Social Club to raise funds for the football team’s Christmas party.

Some of the children organised two stall games and with the money raised, they decided to buy toys for needy children and donate them at B&M in Whitehaven for CFM’s Cash for Kids. Christmas presents were dropped off after their training session on Wednesday.

Coach at Whitehaven Miners, Mike Mellon said: “They were running the stalls all day. We had enough for our kids’ Christmas party and they had some left over.”

Cash For Kids is running Mission Christmas in conjunction with the News & Star’s Toy Appeal which aims to make sure every child wakes up to a present on December 25.

Mike said: “We were hearing on the radio that they were struggling for presents. The kids loved the idea.”

The £100 raised by games put on by the children was matched by Onestop Bathrooms and Interiors, Mike’s business.

And the children used the £200 to buy toys for children of all ages as the scheme is in need of presents for everyone from 0-18 years old.

The campaign is taking place across the country with present drop-off points at participating stores: B&M, Wickes, Bensons For Beds and Harveys.

In its mission statement, Cash for Kids said: “Grants awarded go towards buying specialist equipment for children to enhance their quality of life.

“They are given to children’s charities and organisations to help them undertake projects and new initiatives or to ensure that much needed services can continue to provide essential care and support.”

Mike added that the players enjoyed taking part in the campaign: “The kids all loved doing it, they loved being part of something.”