VETERAN footballers will be digging out their boots to play in a fund-raising match in memory of community hero Reg Box.

Mr Box, who died last month aged 95, raised almost £130,000 for his favourite charity, the Midlands Air Ambulance, by running bingo evenings and singing at care homes.

He also had a life-long association with football in Malvern, managing several different teams and serving as president of his beloved Malvern Town Football Club for a number of years.

Saddened to hear of his death, footballers who turned out for the team at the Three Horseshoes pub, in Poolbrook Road, 15 years ago decided to re-unite for one last match in tribute to his efforts.

They have arranged a special fund-raising friendly at Malvern Town’s Langland Stadium, in Langland Avenue, on Saturday, October 12.

Kick-off in the match against Inter Milokal will be at 6pm and all proceeds raised will go to the air ambulance.

Mr Box’s son Steve said he was very humbled when the Three Horseshoes team told him about their plans.

“Reg managed so many teams over the years and was so popular and well-known among all the players,” he said. “They just wanted to do something to honour his involvement with and commitment to football.

“It’s great that this is supporting the air ambulance, which was a cause very close to his heart. It really is his legacy living on. There is no end to it.” Mr Box, who lived in Brook Farm Drive, received an award from the air ambulance in 2011 confirming him as the charity’s longest-serving fund-raiser. The same year he also received a Community Hero award from the Worcester News’ sister paper the Malvern Gazette in recognition of his efforts.