Famous former footballers were among those who supported an inaugural Help For Heroes event at Mottram Hall, Mottram St Andrew, near Prestbury.

The occasion was sponsored by Manchester United Football Club, Bentley Manchester, World Options and ex-United players Alex Stepney and Arthur Albiston.

An auction included a prize of a tour in a chauffeur-driven Bentley and MUFC memorabilia. £5,000 was raised. Mike Lowe, organiser, said: ‘The event was a great success and it really set the bar in terms of what we want to achieve for upcoming years. We aim to at least double the amount raised next time. The staff at Mottram were exceptional and we couldn’t have achieved this amount without the help of our sponsors.’