More than £23,000 was raised at a Baldock Town FC fundraising night on Thursday.

West Ham legends Tony Cottee, Tony Gale and Frank McAvennie were at the evening at Knights Templar School, as were rugby player Alex Goode, former England bowler Darren Gough, and EastEnders’ Steve McFadden and Adam Woodyatt.

The meal and auction aimed to raise funds to help Baldock Town – who have been playing away from the town for five years – come home.

And the items on sale included a pair of heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua’s shorts, which fetched a handy £1,500.

Baldock Town committee member Lynn Parker told the Comet that the generosity of all present made her feel ‘totally overwhelmed’.

“It was all great,” she said. “It was incredible.

“I couldn’t believe how generous all the people in the room were.

“This brings a return closer – not just in terms of money, but also because more people are aware of us. We’re thinking to do this yearly now.”

The next Baldock Town FC event is on June 17, also at Knights Templar School.

To find out more about it call Lynn on 07527 788688.