AN annual football match is being held next week in aid of a children's heart charity and a memorial fund set up in memory of Tom Parsons, who died while on holiday in Greece earlier this year.

The Perm cup, which has raised thousands of pounds over the last 10 years, will be held on Tuesday, at the Gannock in Old Malton.

Team captain James Milson, who organises the football match with friend Paul Holder, known as Perm, said they always supported charities which helped local people.

James said: "This year we have chosen to support the Children's Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF), which is currently on a fundraising drive to raise £700,000 for a new state-of-the-art children's ward to open at Leeds General Infirmary early next year.

"CHSF, in particular, has helped two local families, Martin Thomas and Katrina Bray and their daughter Jessica, as well as Brendon and Amanda Douthwaite and their daughter Elsie.

"We are also going to support the Tom Parsons Memorial Fund with the hope of been able to raise enough to buy a couple of defibrillators."

Elsie Douthwaite, who is three, underwent open heart surgery at Leeds General Infirmary in February.

The youngster, who lives in Norton with her parents Amanda and Brendon and younger sister Daisy, was diagnosed with severe mitral regurgitation in June 2014.

Amanda said: “Elsie is doing amazingly well and doesn't have to go back to hospital until September.

"We were so delighted and overwhelmed when James and Paul said they were fundraising for the CHSF which will have a massive impact on so many people.

"We would also like to thank all those involved in organising the Perm Cup for supporting us - they are all brilliant."

Tom Parsons, from West Heslerton, was on holiday with friends on the Greek island of Zante, when he died last August, aged 22.

His parents, Nick and Sue, said they had set up the fund in his memory to support the local community including providing two defibrillators, one of which would be placed in the Derwent Arms in Norton.

"Everyone has been so supportive which we really appreciate and it has been quite humbling that people want to raise funds in memory of Tom.

"We are delighted this year's Perm Cup is supporting Tom's memorial fund and we would like to thank everyone for their generosity."

The football match kicks-off at 12.30pm, followed by refreshments, an auction and raffle from 4pm, with live music from The Hypnics Jerks from 9pm.

Items on offer include vouchers, a signed Rangers ball, a weekend away, Leeds Utd tickets, Sheffield Utd tickets, Race days, golf days and a Middlesbrough signed pendant. Raffle tickets are available from the Royal Oak in Malton.