Last Sunday nearly 60 of the local footballing talent gathered at Writhlington Sports Centre to compete in the Real World Cup, a competition with teams playing the 8-aside game.

The organiser and mastermind behind the event was Alex Veale, ably assisted and supported throughout by Chris Gilson and Sean Kelly.

'A group of friends and myself have been playing regular Thursday night football for some time, when four or five years ago we decided to organise the inaugural Real World Cup. As well as being a competition that was great fun, we are were also especially keen to use the event as an opportunity to raise money for local charities,' said Alex. 'This year we were thrilled to be able to donate to Fair Frome. We also saw the most successful competition ever, with seven teams competing for the coveted trophy.'

John Killah is the co-chair of the Fair Frome Trustees. 'The local community is key to the success of an organisation like Fair Frome,' explains John. 'The whole event was organised superbly and it was truly inspirational to see so many people give up their Sunday morning as well as digging deep in their pockets in order to help out Fair Frome. A huge 'thank you' is due to so many people.'

As well as providing the town's Food Bank, Fair Frome also runs Holiday Lunches, the Furniture Bank, the Community Pantry and Baby Basics as well as providing hot meals for their Food@Five project at three different venues during the week.

Alex Veale, perhaps better known locally as a musician and the frontman for Tax The Heat could not be more delighted at the success of the competition.

'As at the time of going to press, we are still counting the donations that are coming in,' adds Alex. 'However, to date we have raised the fantastic sum of £400. It is a tough ride out there for many people and we are over the moon to be helping in a small way.'