A Boxing Day football match, organised by the Northway Community Centre, in Oxford, raised money for Hernes House respite care centre in Summertown.

Organisers are hoping they can follow-up their fundraising efforts with a host of events throughout the year.

Their efforts have been welcomed as the service provided at Hernes House is due to move to another base in Oxford, under a social services shake-up of respite care. That means the Hernes House Association, a fundraising group of relatives and friends of children who use the home, may need to replace some of the specialist equipment it has provided over the years.

Association treasurer Pat Stanley said: "We had a whirpool bath fitted about 15 years ago which cost £6,000, and we have a sensory room which cost around £8,000. We don't know yet when or where we'll be moving to, and some of our specialist items will be able to move with us.

"Depending on the size of rooms and facilities at the new building though, we will have to replace some things and any fundraising will be particularly welcome."

Mrs Stanley's granddaughter, Leeonie Friel, 14, who has cerebral palsy and epilepsy, regularly stays at Hernes House. She is also a regular at Northway Centre discos and football matches.

Earlier this year the centre raised £170 for Hernes House with an Easter raffle.

Mrs Stanley added: "So far the Northway Centre members have been fabulous, they have been wonderful."

Gary Hibbins, who runs a boys' football club at the centre, said: "Every year we have this football match between some boys from the club, and centre regulars.

"We're planning to follow up the fundraising with events throughout the year for Herne House."