A long-running memorial football match organised by colleagues of a train driver who died from cancer has raised more than £8,000 for the hospital that cared for him.

Alan Linnane, who was based at Colchester, died in 2004 while being treated at University College London Hospital, leaving behind his wife Tina and children, Carla and Glen.

His friends, Lee Barber, Mark Boyland and Chris Turner, who worked with Mr Linnane in Colchester, have been organising yearly football and golf memorials ever since, raising £8,265.

The latest match, held in Ipswich between Colchester train staff and crews from Freightliner Ipswich and Felixstowe, where Mr Linnane worked from 2003, saw generous sponsorship from local businesses.

Mr Barber said: “This year we would like to thank the following: Ipswich Borough Council, Paul Henri Hairdressers, Beth Parrish. George Debman Butchers, The Beauty Place, Johnsons Newsagents and The Margaret Catchpole pub.

“Also Neptunes Fish and Chip Shop and Eclipse Sound and Lighting for kindly letting use their football kit.

“Plus Freightliner UK Rail for kindly Donating £1,000.

“We would like to finish off by saying a big thank you for all who took part; the supporters and businesses for all their support.” The Trophy was won by Freightliner Ipswich and Felixstowe who beat the Colchester team 3-2.