VETERAN rugby players took to the field again in North Yorkshire to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

Hundreds of people gathered at Terrington Hall School, near Malton, for the second annual Get Your Boots On match.

The Codgers took on The Relics in the over-40s event. It was organised by Marcus Aldrich, of Whitwell-on-the-Hill, to raise funds for both Yorkshire Cancer Care and MS-UK. It was dedicated to the memory of Nigel Williams, from Norton, who played in the inaugural game last year.

A similar event was staged at Sedbergh Casterton Preparatory School in the Yorkshire Dales, supported by ex-pupil and Gloucester and England player, James Simpson Daniel, as Mr Aldrich seeks to turn the event into a national phenomenon.

Mr Aldrich said the matches harnessed the compelling and enduring spirit, camaraderie and competitiveness of former rugby players, reigniting their passion for the game and at the same time helping to raise valuable funds for charity.

He hoped at least 50 schools and clubs would host XV Veterans Get Your Boots On matches on the same weekend by next year.