Three schools from Hitchin came together to raise a staggering £4,000 for charity by playing a series of charity football matches played at Hitchin Town FC.

The Comet: Everybody present enjoyed the event!Everybody present enjoyed the event! (Image: Archant)

Staff and pupils from all years from Hitchin Boys’ School, The Priory School and Hitchin Girls’ School took part in the fundraiser at Top Field – in front of a crowd of around 1,200 – more than 400 higher than the Canaries biggest league crowd of the season.

The event was the idea of Hitchin boys’ PE teacher, Chris Bajak and the Priory’s Jo Churchman.

Eight matches took place involving all seven year groups plus teachers. The evening also featured a match between girls from Years 7 to 9 from Hitchin Girls’ School and The Priory School.

Jo told the Comet: “We’re delighted with the support we’ve received from the students, parent and friends.

The Comet: An action shot during the teachers match between The Priory and Hitchin Boys' School.An action shot during the teachers match between The Priory and Hitchin Boys' School. (Image: Archant)

“We had no idea how well it was going to go, in the end it could not have gone any better. We will definitely be doing it again next year.”

The event was organised as part of Red Nose Day, with all funds going to the charity.

Fortem – previously known as Wilmott Dixon – sponsored the evening’s action and trophies, with Dan King and Jon Chapman from the company presenting the team winners with the Red Nose Day cup.

SJ Wood and Son, the commercial property company, sponsored the new Hitchin Boys’ School staff football kit, with managing director Stephen Wood also present.

The Comet: More than 1,200 people turned out to support the event at Top Field.More than 1,200 people turned out to support the event at Top Field. (Image: Archant)

Chris added: “I’m thrilled at the turnout tonight. We wanted to organise an event which would involve all three secondary schools in the Hitchin community and raise money for an excellent charity.

“To have 1,200 people through the door is fantastic and it looks like we will ultimately raise more than £4,000.

“A big thanks to Hitchin Town FC, Fortem and SJ Wood. This has really been a great community event which we hope to repeat next year.”

The overall winners on the night were Hitchin Boys School with a total of three wins and five draws across all eight games.

The Comet: The event raised £4,000 for charity.The event raised £4,000 for charity. (Image: Archant)