People tested their football skills against Stevenage FC players last Friday at the official opening of a builder’s merchant, raising more than £250 for charity.

The Comet: Sam Butterworth, of S2 Property Solutions, taking on Stevenage FC goalkeeper Brad Heaps at the opening of Gibbs and Dandy's new Stevenage store. Photo: Professional Images/@ProfImages.Sam Butterworth, of S2 Property Solutions, taking on Stevenage FC goalkeeper Brad Heaps at the opening of Gibbs and Dandy's new Stevenage store. Photo: Professional Images/@ProfImages. (Image: ©2017 Professional Images (UK) Ltd. Free for use.)

The Gibbs and Dandy branch in Gunnels Wood Park in Stevenage was officially launched by the town’s MP, Stephen McPartland, after first opening in April.

People took on Stevenage FC first team players in a charity challenge, raising more than £250 for the Garden House Hospice in Letchworth.

The branch opened after Knebworth builder’s merchant, Chas Lowe and Sons, announced its closure and has safeguarded 17 jobs from the family firm.

Gibbs and Dandy sales director, Andrew Cushing, said: “Chas Lowe and Sons provided an excellent service for over 60 years, and that’s something we’re continuing in our commitment to the region.”

The Comet: Stevenage MP Stephen McPartland with branch director Stuart Wells. Photo: Professional Images/@ProfImagesStevenage MP Stephen McPartland with branch director Stuart Wells. Photo: Professional Images/@ProfImages (Image: ©2017 Professional Images (UK) Ltd. Free for use.)

Mr McPartland said: “It’s positive to see a national business investing so significantly in the local area and the safeguarding of jobs is very much welcomed.”