A WELL-KNOWN charity football tournament has marked 65 years of fund-raising for local children.

The Orphanage Cup, which has been played for by teams from businesses and organisations in Blackburn since 1952, helps to raise money for Wilpshire based charity CANW, which has its roots in Blackburn Orphanage.

Some of the town’s longest established companies and associations have entered teams for the cup over the years, helping to raise more than £100,000 to help children, young people and families in need.

A total of 22 teams participated in this year’s championships, raising £1,500 through match fees, spectator tickets and raffles.

This year’s final, between Blackburn Teachers and Blackburn Borough Council held at AFC Darwen’s WEC Anchor Ground saw the Council run out 2-0 winners against the Teachers.

Previous cup finals have been held at Ewood Park, and competition secretary Tom Tatham hopes it will one day return to the home of Blackburn Rovers.

But he is delighted the competition has raised so much money.

Tatham, who’s been involved in organising the tournament for over 25 years said: “The Orphanage Cup is a fantastic competition and a wonderful way to bring local people together to raise money for a really worthwhile cause.

“I’m hugely proud to have been involved with the event for so long.”

The Orphanage Cup competition began life as the Infirmary Cup when local businessman Sir John Rutherford Bart donated the trophy to Blackburn Royal Infirmary to be competed for by football teams from local mills and workshops.

The competition lapsed when the Infirmary became part of the NHS and was revived as the Orphanage Cup in 1951.

The trophy itself will be 80 years old this year.