A rugby match played on Remembrance Sunday has raised more than £1,000 for charity.

Former Bristol rugby stars played along with ex-servicemen to raise money for an MS therapy centre, the national Poppy Appeal of the Royal British Legion and Help for Heroes.

The match, played near Cheltenham, was arranged by Matthew James, 36, a former member of the Gloucestershire Regiment, who now suffers from multiple sclerosis.

Mr James, who grew up in Southmead and was diagnosed with MS two-and-a-half years ago, kicked the ball off at the beginning of the game, which the Bristol side went on to win.

Mr James said: "There was a tremendous turnout. I kicked off, albeit badly, and everything went like clockwork.

"The Bristol side won with around 300 people watching and we managed to raise around £1,000.

"It's going to three really good charities. There are about 500 badges left and I hope to move them. It was a really great day. My Army mates did me proud." Mr James was in the Glosters for six years, seeing active service in Bosnia and also completing army exercises in Kuwait and Botswana.

Seven years after leaving the Army he had an MRI scan after experiencing balance problems and was told he had MS.

Nick Betty, from Southmead, who captained the Bristol team, said: "What Matthew has done is amazing."

Commemorative rugby shirts and badges, designed for the day by Mr James, are still available.

The shirts can be bought by going to www.crouchandhold.com.

The badges are available to buy at www.realaleheaven.com.