RUGBY players are to scrum down to raise money for Help for Heroes.

Mersea Island Rugby Club are taking on the might of Colchester’s 16 Air Assault Brigade on April 24, to raise money for the military charity, and avenge defeat in last year’s inaugural fixture.

The club’s Dave Bredin said: “It’s going to be both a rugby match and a family fun day, followed by a big party on Mersea.

“For us, it’s about bringing the curtain down on the season and raising money for a cause that’s close to a lot of people’s hearts in Colchester.

“We’ve always had very good links to the garrison, with soldiers playing in our current first team.”

The event takes place on pitches at the Corporal Budd VC Gymnasium, in Berechurch Road, from noon to 4.30pm, with the match kicking off at 2.30pm.

As well as the rugby, there will be a bouncy castle, military vehicles and demonstrations by firefighters, with a raffle featuring shirts signed by England star Johnny Wilkinson and the Bradford Bulls and Wasps teams. Afterwards, a disco and barbecue will take place at Wellhouse Farm, in Colchester Road, Mersea, from 8pm. Tickets cost £10 on the door.

Last year’s match saw the soldiers triumph 21-10 and about £4,000 was raised for Help for Heroes.

Mr Bredin said: “It was an extremely hard game, with no quarter given by both sides. We threw that event together very quickly, but this time we’re much more organised and hope to raise even more money.”

For details, visit mersearugby.co.uk