ILMINSTER footballers united for a charity day to remember a special and popular young boy.

Bradley Cullen passed away in 2013, aged 15, having suffered from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Youth footballers took on a team made up of coaches to battle it out for the Bradley Cullen Memorial Cup in the special event held on the recreation ground.

The event was started last year by Ilminster FC’s under-16s, many of whom had grown up with Bradley.

A number of matches took place throughout the day, culminating in the showpiece event, which saw the youth side take the trophy, donated by the outgoing Ilminster mayor Emma Jane Taylor.

Club chairman Darren Manley said: “I think everyone who was on the Rec on Sunday will agree there was a great atmosphere. The club has been blown away by the support it has received and I am chuffed and amazed to say we have raised £1,200 for the Action Duchenne charity.

“Thanks to everyone who helped and/or donated money.”

Bradley’s father, Mark, said it was a “fantastic amount of money” and thanked the club for hosting it, adding: “Thanks to the people of Ilminster for keeping Brad’s memory going; we can’t thank you enough.”

A group of Bradley’s friends said: “We all still miss Brad, and this event is our way of remembering his life with the sport he loved.

“And Chelsea won the league – so he would have been made up. This was Brad’s day, 100%.”

Local group A Night with Lions gave up their time and a hog roast was funded by Ilminster Youth and Ilminster Town football club.

Mr Manley added: “We would like to thank Cottage Flowers, Frame of Mind, The Spar, Hannah May Hair Studio, Silver Street Dairy, Labels For Less, Hair & Beauty, Minster Vets, Debbie Lee, Hamilton Davis Belts, Harrimans and the Royal Oak as well as all the friends and family who donated raffle prizes.

“Thanks, too, to Barrington Football Club who sent a £100 collection and the Ilminster players on the day donated £153.80.”