Hundreds attend charity football match raising funds for the Arena attack fund

Hundreds of people turned out to watch a team of emergency service staff beat an all-star eleven in the WeLoveMCR charity football match.

The Manchester Academy Stadium saw celebrities take on service staff with all money raised to be donated to the We Love Manchester Fund supporting those affected by the Arena attack.

Made up of paramedics, firefighters and police officers the emergency service team ended 4-2 winners after 90 minutes of football under clear blue skies. They lifted the trophy to cheers from the crowds.

Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham was part of the all-star line-up that also included players from Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks.

Ahead of the match, GMP Chief Inspector Ian Hopkins:

"At the end of the day, the winners for this are the We Love Manchester Fund and the money that will go to that, that will continue to support those in need. That's what this is all about, the 22 people who didn't come home that night and they will always be in our hearts."

Before the match began there were emotional scenes as the Manchester Survivors Choir performed 3 songs including Rise Up in memory of the 22. They were followed by dance group Rise, getting extra practice in ahead of their semi-final appearance on Britain’s Got Talent later this week.

A minute’s silence was held before kick-off to remember the victims of the attack on 22nd May:

"It's been really positive end to an emotional week."

"If I take my glasses off, you'll see my eyes and you'll know how emotional it is. It's been a great day for Manchester but it's also a step along the way for those people injured or affected."

"They're all just saying well right, snub your nose up to you, we're just going to enjoy ourselves."