A FROSTY encounter between ice hockey teams from the RAF Bluewings and Oxford University raised nearly £2,000 for Oxford Children's Hospital.

It was the second charity match between the RAF Brize Norton and RAF Benson staff and Oxford University Ice Hockey Club.

And although competition on the ice was fierce, all who took part knew how important the event was. Dr Claire Hooper, from the children's hospital, said: "It went really well, it was a good, fun evening.

"There were a lot of families and people who were supporting particular players and there was a really good atmosphere."

The university side took the honours - taking back the trophy from the Bluewings, who won the inaugural match last year. Dr Hooper said: "It was very close all the way through. There was even a little fight, but I think they probably just put that on - but it did get the crowd going. It was all very good natured."

Senior Aircraftsman Carl Yates, who was playing for the Bluewings for the first time, said £1,800 had been raised for the charity.

He said: "We were not fortunate enough to win this time. The day itself was a great success and we managed to raise quite a bit of money which is fantastic.

"All the children who came down from the hospital seemed to enjoy it, it's just a shame the end result wasn't in our favour.

"We have decided it is going to be an annual event and we are looking forward to next year's already. Hopefully, we shall win back the trophy. But it's all about charity at the end of the day."

As well as the sporting action, there were a number of other activities including a chuck-the-puck competition, where members of the audience attempted to slide a puck across the ice to hit a cone, with the person coming closest winning an iPod.

The Oxford City Stars performed a skills demonstration and Oxford Ice Dancers and Oxford Figure Skaters also put on a dazzling display.

Dr Hooper added: "There were a few different groups, there was a cheerleading-style ice dance routine which was fantastic. It went down really well and people enjoyed it very much."