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Daily journalists hand over £525 raised in press v politicians football match

Regional daily journalists have handed over £500 raised in a fundraising football challenge against politicians on their patch.

HTFP reported in December how staff from the Express & Star, Wolverhampton, faced a team of MPs and local councillors from across the political spectrum to help raise money for new floodlights at Bilston Town Football Club.

The politicians’ team, which was led by Wolverhampton South East MP Pat McFadden, fell to a 8-2 loss against the Express & Star’s team, which also featured journalists from the Press Association and the West Midlands-based Free Radio network.

Now Mr McFadden, Express & Star reporter Liam Keen and Gavin Miller from trade union group Community, have handed a cheque for £525 over to staff at the club.

Pat McFadden MP, left, and Express & Star reporter Liam Keen

Pat McFadden MP, left, and Express & Star reporter Liam Keen

Community had donated £250 towards the total.

The money was added to the fund for the club to pay off the debt for their new floodlights, with a crowdfunding page launched a head of the match reaching almost £2,200 and private donations meaning the club reached their goal of £20,000.

Bilston Town chairman Denise Frankham said:”“We’re ecstatic, we couldn’t have continued without the money.

“We would have had to close our doors, all our teams need the lights.”