A CRICKET match organised by Dartford’s MP raised thousands of pounds for charity.

Gareth Johnson’s annual game at Hesketh Park took place on June 30 and saw his XI take on home team Dartford Cricket Club.

The game played in blazing sunshine ended in a narrow victory for Dartford with Mr Johnson’s team falling seven short of a target of 158 in their 20 overs.

The side included ex-England cricketer Min Patel, Dartford councillors Aaron Bardoe and Eddie Lampkin and News Shopper reporter Tim MacFarlan.

The day raised £3,805 through stalls selling jewellery ice cream, books and food and drink, a raffle, a childrens’ cupcake decorating competition and an inflatable bouncy castle and slide.

The total was split between a youth cricket programme run by Dartford Cricket Club, and the Arrow Riding Centre for the Disabled in Darenth Park Avenue which provides riding lessons to disabled children aged 17 months and upwards.

Sainsbury’s in Crayford presented a cheque for £2,500 on the day which had been raised over the past year by staff and customers.

Mr Johnson, who took two wickets and scored 36 runs, said:"I was delighted that we successfully raised thousands of pounds for such valuable local charities.

"Local people really pulled together to make this event a success with hundreds of people turning out to support the occasion and making the day a fun, family event."