AN annual football match is being held this week in aid the Tom Parsons Memorial Fund and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA).

The Perm Cup, which won the charity of the year title at the Pride of Malton & Norton Award, will be held on Wednesday, December 27, at the Gannock in Old Malton.

James Milson, who organises the football match with friend Paul Holder, known as Perm, said they always supported charities which helped local people.

James said: “This year we have chosen to support the Tom Parsons Memorial Fund, as Tom was so well-known locally, and the air ambulance because it has helped so many people and is out in Ryedale on almost a daily basis.”

Tom Parsons, from West Heslerton, was on holiday with friends on the Greek island of Zante, when he died in August 2016, aged 22.

His parents, Nick and Sue, set up the fund in his memory to support the local community, including providing defibrillators, one of which has placed at the Royal Oak in Malton, which is run by James’ wife Emma.

James said: “Tom had close ties with the pub and all his friends are regulars. It is nice to give something back to local people.

“Paul and I have handed over the captain roles to Dean Readman and Rhys Crowe this year due to our own family commitments.”

The Perm Cup has raised thousands of pounds over the last 10 years for a number of local charities, including L.I.A.M. (Laughter, Inspiration, Art, Music) set up in memory of Liam Miller, and the charity, 4Louis, which supports bereaved parents and captures the lasting memories of their baby.

James said: “It has become such an institution for people between Christmas and New Year that we felt we had to carry it on and this year we are expecting more than 50 footballers to take part.”

The football match kicks-off at noon, followed by refreshments, an auction and raffle, with live music from The Hypnics Jerks at the Royal Oak. Items on offer include Leeds United tickets. Raffle tickets are available from the Royal Oak in Malton.