THE team behind a charity football cup that dates back to 1907 are on the lookout for inspirational children who would benefit from a cash donation.

The Darlington Charity Cup has already supported half a dozen youngsters battling life-threatening illnesses and is hoping to continue with their mission.

The cup was first played for in 1907, donated by Herbert Pike Pease, a member of the Pease family of Darlington, and has been played for every year since, barring a five-year hiatus from 2005 to 2010.

Secretary and treasurer Roger Bradley said: “When we dusted the cup off and brought it back to life in 2010 we decided that we would donate £500 to a charity of our choosing every season.

“We agreed that we would like to help children with cancer, and so it began.

“This is one of the main reasons the cup has been resurrected, to raise money for worthy charities.”

Chairman Brian Scaife added: “We have all played in the cup over the years and see this as a way to do something positive for somebody who deserves it.

“A lot of it has been word of mouth so far, but we would like to raise awareness of the cup and the donation we are looking to make.”

Teams from Witton Park, Coundon, West Auckland and Shildon are all through to the semi-final and the final is set to take place on April 28, at Moore Lane, in Newton Aycliffe.

President Ben Smith said: “We hold events throughout the year to raise money for charity and we want to donate it, it’s no good sitting in the bank.

“It’s a way for us to give something back to the community and hopefully bring some happiness to children who are fighting a life-changing illness.”

The Darlington Charity Cup’s next fundraising event is a ‘Question of Sport’ evening with comedian Terry Joyce and ex-professional football players including Kevin Smith, Simon Ramsden and Les Langley.

The event will take place at Woodham Golf and Country Club, Newton Aycliffe, on Friday, April 21 from 7pm.

Tickets cost £15 and are available by contacting brianpscaife@yahoo.co.uk

Mr Smith added: “Anybody who knows of a child experiencing a difficult time, please get in touch.”

Contact stacey-lee.christon@nne.co.uk for more information.