A CHARITY cricket match has raised almost £1,800 for worthy causes after taking place for a sixth successive year.

The Newton village cricket match has become an annual event, and the community gathered for the latest instalment on Sunday, July 8.

The picturesque surroundings of Mowden Hall School provided the setting for the match between West Tyne League club Newton CC and Newton Village All Stars, a team made up of local people and their family and friends.

Hexham’s MP Guy Opperman, a keen cricketer, turned out for the All Stars and hit a memorable six during his innings.

It wasn’t enough to prevent a Newton CC win, but the day was all about fund-raising, community spirit and remembering Newton’s cricketing heroes of yesteryear. This year’s event will support an appeal to buy new bells for St James’ Church in the village.

Local children’s charity WeCan and Chance to Shine, which promotes cricket within UK schools, will also benefit.

After a fantastic tea was enjoyed by all, a commemorative plaque was unveiled to mark the contribution of the Telfer family to cricket in Newton over the decades.

Members of the family have played cricket for Newton for 80 years.

Eddie and Ernest Telfer are legends of the club, and the latter scored more centuries in the West Tyne League than any other player.

Until his death last year, Ernest was president of the club. His son, Peter, has now accepted the role – himself a prominent Newton cricketer, with a prolific number of runs to his name.

Locally-based business Eventcover Productions boosted the fund-raising total with a £1,500 donation.

Eventcover’s Bob and Janet Taylor also presented a new cup to the winning team.

There was also support from other businesses and organisations, while £280 was raised from teas, a raffle, and nearest the pin golf competition, which took place as part of the day.

Wendy Sanderson, secretary of the Newton & Bywell Social Group, which organised the event, said: “Thanks to all of those who attended to make it such a great community event.

“There was great support from local businesses and orgnanisations, including Mowden Hall School, Newton Women’s Institute, The Duke of Wellington Inn and Dennhofer Wines.”