Emotional Tony Hopper said he was "overwhelmed" by the love and support he received from former team-mates and Cumbrian football fans on a moving day at Brunton Park.

Yesterday's charity game at Carlisle's ground saw the community unite to pay tribute to the former Carlisle and Workington player, who is suffering from motor neurone disease.

A host of former players from both clubs returned for the game, while a crowd of nearly 3,000 watched the action and saluted Hopper.

The 40-year-old, who played in the closing stages of the match, was moved to tears as he left the pitch with his brothers through a large guard of honour.

Hopper said it had been a day he would always treasure.

He said: "It was all a bit overwhelming.

"I had no involvement in organising it and had no idea who was all turning up.

"So when I saw everyone, and think of all the effort they had gone to, the distance they had travelled to get here, and the effort Colin Carter, Ian Milburn and Derek Walsh had put into arranging it - it meant a lot.

"We've had a good catch-up and although it was to raise awareness of MND, I promised myself it would be a happy occasion with old friends, and the turnout from the fans is something I struggle to put into words.

"I can't thank everyone enough."

The game saw money raised for the MND Association as well as Jigsaw Hospice, Great North Air Ambulance and United's community sports trust.

It saw a legion of former blue and red favourites return, including Matt Jansen, Rory Delap, Grant Holt, Steve Hayward and Dean Walling, as well as many of Hopper's former youth team-mates - while ex-Blues heroes George McVitie, 68, and Steve Hoolickin, 65, made cameo appearances.

Hopper added: "I also want to make a special mention to my coaches, Mick Wadsworth, David Wilkes and Pete Hampton, for being there - they were there right at the start of my career.

"Also the people from my time at Workington - Dabba [Dave Hewson], Darren Edmondson, Steve Durham and all the staff and supporters.

"I feel very privileged to have played for both clubs and with such a great bunch of lads.

"During the reception at the end from the players and fans, I saw my family in the box and that tipped me over.

"But the support I've had from everyone over the last five-and-a-half months - it does help, it does get me through difficult times.

"All the people who came - they are part of my memories. Hopefully this is also a memory for my family, and my three sons, who are of an age where they didn't really see me play football.

"So it was nice for them to see what their dad used to do."

To donate to the Hoppers' fightback fund for the MND Association visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Tony-Hopper