A FOOTBALL club’s 1991 promotion heroes are to mark the 25th anniversary of their achievements and raise vital funds for Hartlepool & District Hospice.

A ten-year reunion of Hartlepool United's 2005 play-off final squad last year raised about £6,500 – which is only enough to cover the daily operating costs of the hospice.

The majority of players and staff from the memorable campaign will be at the Seaton Carew Social Club on Friday, May 20, with the aim of raising a further £3,000 for the hospice.

“We chose the hospice because it’s something that is close to everyone’s hearts in the town,” said Phil Dunn, one of the organisers. “It costs around £6,500 every day to keep our hospice going and it helps so many people that whatever we can raise we want to give to them and do our bit.

“The night should be another cracker with all the players and staff there from the era to share their memories of that promotion.’’

Brian Honour, a mainstay of the promotion side, who was at the hospice to promote the event, said: “It’s something I’ve long looked forward to. It’s been 25 years since I saw some of these lads and, while I am still in touch regularly with a lot of them, it’s going to be an emotional one.

“The spirit and camaraderie we had at the time carried us to success, and it won’t take long before it comes to the fore next week. There might be a few bigger waistlines, and receding hairlines, but we all know what a night it’s going to be – we all have lots of stories to tell and recall the good times we had.’’

A limited number of tickets remain available, priced £20 and can be bought by calling 07760 886715 or 07896 779471.