ON A gloriously sunny Sunday afternoon two rugby teams battled on the Wadebridge Camels' pitch to help raise money for Help for Heroes.

Padstow RFC played the Cornwall combined services team made up of personnel from RAF St Mawgan and RNAS Culdrose as well as anyone currently serving in Cornwall.

It was a closely contested game fought between two sides who wanted to entertain the crowds and raise funds for the wounded service personnel charity.

Ross Ford from the Military Provost Guard Service (MPGS), who is based at RAF St Mawgan and lives in Padstow, captained a specially-formed Padstow XV who beat the Cornwall combined services team 42 to 25.

Ross said: "Help for Heroes is a very worthy cause and I am delighted that we were able to raise over £1,200.

"I would like to say a very special thanks to all those who helped, from our players and supporters and, of course, our sponsors.

"These included Bridge Bike Hire, Bob Flyde, TJ Press, Air South West, First Group, Camel Valley Vineyard, Chough Bakery, Metropole Hotel, Padstow, Seafood Restaurant, the London Inn Padstow and especially the Ship Hotel at Padstow.

"A big thank you as well to the Wadebridge Camels' Rugby Club for the use of their clubhouse and the ground and especially to Frank Hambly and his family for all their hard work on the day." The day was such a success that the organisers are hoping to hold a rematch next year.

Station commander at RAF St Mawgan, Wg Cdr Paul Loader, who was part of the Cornwall combined services squad, said: "This was a very hotly contested game played for a very worthy cause. All services were represented and we look forward to the rematch when we can even the score."