YOUNG footballers who put their best foot forward to take part in a sponsored run for their new pavilion have raised more than their wildest dreams.Organisers of the event for the Vicky Hall Memorial Fund thought it would probably bring in £1,000, with a lot of hard work £2,000 .

YOUNG footballers who put their best foot forward to take part in a sponsored run for their new pavilion have raised more than their wildest dreams.

Organisers of the event for the Vicky Hall Memorial Fund thought it would probably bring in £1,000, with a lot of hard work £2,000 . . . but have been delighted to see it raise £2,742.

Chairman of Trimley Red Devils, Bob Race said it was a "fantastic result" and was thrilled with the efforts of all those who had taken part.

In addition, the football club had also raised £412 for the fund from a disco.

"I really thought that if we hit £2,000 from the run that would be unbelievable – but to raise £2,742 is amazing," he said.

"Everyone at the club is delighted and we want to thank all the boys who ran and all the managers, and all the parents, friends and other people who supported us with sponsorship."

Mr Race, who did ten laps in the run, said the event had been important for the club because it was a chance for the youngsters to raise some money for the new pavilion which will be theirs when it is built.

Around 100 young footballers took part in the sponsored run around the Stennetts Memorial Field, Trimley St Mary, where the youngsters play their home matches.

Boys aged seven to nine ran three laps starting, the tens to 12s five laps, and those over 14, including the adults, did ten laps around the 475 yard perimeter of the field.

The pavilion will bear the name of murdered schoolgirl Vicky Hall, whose parents Graham and Lorinda are both involved with the Red Devils. Vicky used to attend to watch her brother Stephen play for the club.

Vicky, 17, of Faulkeners Way, vanished as she walked home with best friend Gemma Algar from a Felixstowe nightclub more than two years ago.

Just seconds after parting from Gemma, she was abducted by her killer, who later dumped her body in a ditch at Creeting St Peter, near Stowmarket.

It is felt the pavilion will be a suitable memorial because it will be used by other young people as well as the community.

So far nearly £80,000 has been raised for the project and it is hoped the National Lottery will give grant aid to complete the appeal so that work can get underway this year.