A football match has raised £150 for charity in memory of a popular Dereham man.

Dereham Times: Ben Pyke. PHOTO; Matthew UsherBen Pyke. PHOTO; Matthew Usher (Image: Archant © 2005)

Ben Pyke died suddenly aged 35 in 2004 and a memorial game is held annually on Boxing Day to remember him and to raise money for charity.

This year it was played in Scarning and the funds will be donated to Norfolk-based bereavement charity Nelson's Journey.

It was organised by the landlord of the Railway Tavern pub in the town, Paul Sandford, who was a friend of Mr Pyke's.

Two teams were picked on the day and players paid a donation of £5 to play. A raffle was also held.

Mr Sandford described Mr Pyke as 'a real character and always had a beaming smile'.

Mr Pyke was a pupil at the Fred Nicholson School in Dereham and proceeds from the first Ben Pyke memorial football match and the Town Close charity paid for new play equipment for pupils to enjoy at the school.