Emergency services join forces for charity match at Peterborough United

The inaugural Blue Light Football Tournament was due to take place in May last year but was cancelled following the terror attack in Manchester.

It will take place on Wednesday May 23, and feature police, ambulance and fire service teams, and a veterans' side comprising all three services.

The latter will include Deputy Chief Constable Alan Baldwin and Assistant Chief Fire Officer Rick Hylton, pictured.

It will raise money for the Road Victims Trust, which offers a range of free support services to residents of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire who have been affected by fatal road collisions.

Spectators are welcome but are asked to make a contribution to the cause via the event’s Just Giving page, or at the stadium on the day.

DCC Baldwin said: "In our daily lives, fatal road collisions are often presented as statistics but it's important to remember that every one of those crashes has had a devastating impact on the family and friends of the victim.

"The Trust provides information alongside emotional and practical support to people who are most likely going through a rollercoaster of emotions and feeling bewildered and distressed.

"As emergency services who deal with the aftermath of these terrible events it is particularly apt that we show our support and raise money for this charity.

"The tournament will be a fun and entertaining event in a great stadium and I would like to thank Peterborough United for allowing us to use the facilities as well as all the players who have agreed to take part. I hope to see as many people there as possible."

Police and Crime Commissioner Jason Ablewhite, who will attend the tournament and present the trophy, said: "I am very proud to be supporting this tournament in aid of such an important cause. The Road Victims Trust do a tremendous job in supporting the victims of a road death, providing such genuine comfort to so many people.

"This is an excellent opportunity to highlight their great work alongside our partners across the emergency services.”

The event will begin at 10am and there will be a presentation to the winning team at the end. If successful, the tournament could become an annual event.