COMPANIES from around the area joined together to play in a football tournament in aid of the NSPCC.

The event, organised by Swindon-based building society Nationwide, raised £1,000 for the children's charity.

The company hopes to raise more than £20,000 for NSPCC this year in a series of fundraising drives.

The six-a-side tournament at the County Ground on Tuesday night on the eve of NSPCC Children's Day attracted 19 teams. Nationwide's Print and Distribution team eventually came out on top. And the competition attracted a lot of women footballers, with Michelle Rich finishing as top scorer.

Trophies and medals were presented by Town star Neil Ruddock

Nationwide's senior customer adviser, Craig Taylor, said: "Football tournaments are always a really good way of raising funds for charity.

"It was a wonderful experience, a great success and I shall treasure the memory of saving a Neil Ruddock left foot shot during one of the matches.

"The event raised more than £1,000 which couldn't have been achieved without the support staff at Swindon Town Football Club, Nationwide, The Sun Inn, supporters and players."