CHARD Rugby Colts raised a total of £1,800 with their first ‘Big Push’ fundraising event.

The players worked in pairs to push weighted wheelbarrows from Donyatt Bowls Club along the cycle path to Chard’s Crewkerne Road pitches.

The event was followed by a barbecue and auction which raised a further £1,000.

A club spokesman said: “We would like to thank the following businesses and individuals for their help in making the event possible: Bristol Rugby Club, Somerset County Cricket Club, Wasps Rugby Club, Clive Adams School of Motoring, Tim Collins, Numatic International, Sarah Launchbury, Impey Showers Ltd, Sarah Hodge Hairdressing of Chard, Taunton Minibus Hire, Robert Gilbert, Donyatt Bowls Club, Angela Wilson Gardening Services, The Farmers Arms West Hatch, K Rendell Photos, Tigerfly Photography, Pipes Plumbing and Heating Services,St Austell Brewery and Matt Bowditch, as well as those that came along to support the event.”

The Colts have started training and meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7pm at the main club.

They have a pre-season friendly on August 21 against Sidmouth at the Park Road ground, and their league programme starts on August 30 at Burnham. For more details contact Duncan Nicholls on 07540-874939.