HUNDREDS turned out to support the family of Cian Proctor at a football fundraiser.

Men, women and children gathered at Fennyfold Playing Fields in Padiham on Saturday afternoon to take part in the day held in memory of the 18-year-old from Rishton, who tragically died on January 8.

But the bitterly cold weather and grey skies didn't dampen spirits as the first game kicked off at 1pm.

Alongside the football matches taking place, off the pitch there was a bouncy castle to keep younger visitors entertained, and nail painting for those who fancied a pamper.

Collection buckets lined the edges of the pitches, with all money raised to be donated to family to help contribute towards costs for Cian’s funeral.

Cian’s dad, Andy Proctor, who was at the game supporting the players, said: “It’s been a really great afternoon and we are so pleased and grateful with the number of people who came.”

After the games were over, players and supporters headed to the Shakespeare Hotel where a raffle and auction was held to raise more funds.

Mr Proctor added: “We can’t thank people enough for coming together and supporting my family. We are eternally grateful.”

A GoFundMe page set-up after Cian’s death has now raised over £2,000 – an amount which is set to soar when donations from Saturday’s fundraiser are added. Daryl Graham, who was responsible for organising the day’s event, was overwhelmed with the response.

He said: “It’s times like this that I am proud to say I am from Padiham.

“The amount of people in this town and Rishton that have pulled together to make today happen, they are all truly amazing."

Sammy Greaves, who was at the charity football match with her two young children, said she didn’t know Cian but when she heard about the fundraiser knew she had to show her support.

She said: “There are a few of us here who didn’t know Cian or his family, but when something like this happens in your community you have to come together in an effort to help out."