A group of former Whitehaven players have raised over £2,500 for the cash-strapped club.

Mainly from the Allerdale area they walked from Maryport to the Recreation Ground on Sunday in time for the League One game with Newcastle Thunder.

John Shimmings came up with the idea to raise funds for the club when they made a recent appeal for help, needing £60,000 to see them through to the end of the season.

"We got a few lads together who were only too pleased to make the effort for the club and although there were a good few sore feet and knees on Monday morning it was worth it," he said.

Colin Hall, also heavily involved in the organisation, took part along with Joe Stewart, Keith Hodgson, David Martin, Malcolm McClure, Mike McMullen, Peter Dover, Ian Litt, Peter Stoddart and Robert Maxwell.

Whitehaven-based Gordon Cottier also travelled through to Maryport to join the walk from the start while Bob Hansen drove a back-up car.

The group had left Netherhall corner at 8am and arrived at the ground an hour before kick-off. They were rewarded with a winning performance from the Whitehaven team who beat Newcastle Thunder 12-8.

Later John Shimmings said: "I think when all the money comes in we will have made between £2,500 and £3,000. I know in Maryport people have been very generous and were still making donations after the walk even though they hadn't promised anything."

Tommy Todd, the Whitehaven chairman said: "It just underlines again the warm feelings people, like ex-players, have for the club and we are very grateful for the efforts of this group in what proved to be unpleasant walking conditions – not the pleasant weather we have been experiencing."

Coach Carl Forster added: "It really does say a lot when ex-players do their bit for their old club. They have rallied round and contributed to the cause."