CYCLISTS and footballers pedalled and played their way to major fundraising success for a charity set up in memory of Nell Jones.

Nell, who was a student at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School, was killed in the bomb explosion at the Manchester Arena on May 22, 2017.

In a great weekend of sporting fundraising in Goostrey, villagers again came out in force to support the Remembering Nell Foundation, the charity set up in Nell’s memory.

More than 100 cyclists took to the roads in the Goostrey Big Bike Ride, covering 55 miles of countryside.

Organiser Tony Taylor said: “I would like to say a big thank you to all those who made the day go so smoothly.

“It was one of those win-win situations, having a laugh with friends, exercising in the glorious outdoors, while raising money for an amazing cause.”

The event, which started and finished in the village, raised £6,000, including £2,500 pledged by Dave Forster on on behalf of St James Place Foundation.

On Sunday the Simon Weston Trophy football match, where East of the village meets West, raised a further £1,130 for the foundation.

The annual 11-a-side charity match was established following the death of villager and football enthusiast, Simon Weston.

This year organisers chose the foundation as their nominated charity.

Match organiser Dave Hext said: “Two superbly-matched teams fought a hard battle, which ended with a narrow 2-1 victory for the West, meaning the honours are now tied at three victories each.

“Also on the day, the under 11s penalty shootout was won by Fraser Wilson and the mums’ contest was won by Susie Weston.”

Jayne Jones, Nell’s mum, said; “It has been a truly wonderful weekend, and on behalf of the charity I can’t thank everyone enough.

“From the organisers who made us the focus for their events, to the participants and all those who turned out on the day, I offer a heartfelt thank you.

“Our Nell would have celebrated her 16th birthday a few weeks ago, and this weekend felt like a lovely birthday present.

“We were determined that from Nell’s loss we would try to create something positive. We couldn’t have asked for better support from our community.”