WILLING soccer players braved the freezing cold to help a Huddersfield school.

The fundraising footballers raised money for the autistic provision provided by Longley Special School.

The match was a keenly-fought contest at Storthes Hall Park, Kirkburton, between Linthwaite pharmaceutical company Thornton and Ross and a team of staff and researchers from Huddersfield University.

Thornton and Ross ran out 4-3 winners and the game raised £380 for the school.

There was also a raffle and sweepstake and at half-time the players offered donations to take penalties against former Huddersfield Town goalkeeper Alan Starling, who came along to help the day's events.

The match was organised by Thornton and Ross's new product development scientist, Julian Haigh, who is also studying for his MSc in analytical chemistry at the university, whose team he captained.

He said: "I'd like to thank everyone who took part, particularly AC Electrical Wholesale, who sponsored the raffle and sweepstake, and Alan, for giving up his afternoon to join us.

"The staff at Longley Special School do an excellent job.

"It was a pleasure to raise money for such a worthy cause."