THE eighth Son-Rise Cup was a credit to Tavistock as the community came together for this festival of football.

The goal of this event has always been to bring together able-bodied and people with disabilities on 'a level playing field' to share their love of sport — and this year, as always it succeeded in abundance.

The charity event this year will also provide much welcomed funds for the Action4Autism, Help for Heroes and Devon Air Ambulance.

Allen Lewis, the founder and organiser, told the Times: 'We have proved that when a community pull together it can produce great things!

'The three venues — Tavistock AFC's Langsford Park, Crowndale and Tavistock College — which held the festival of football shone and as a town we should all be very proud.

'I really thank my committee who are so well balanced in their talents it would not be fair to favour any one of them. Will Reed is the engine of the event with Billy Venning and Shaun Moloney at his side. These three men grafted over the past few days and we are so grateful for their hard work.

'Thank you too to Sally Perkins and June Smith for catering all weekend, they were amazing! With the future of the event getting brighter we will need more help to sustain the high standard we have held. A big thank you to everyone!'

With an outside team winning the men's tournament of around 200 footballers it proves how far out the event is reaching.

The international U14s match betweem teams from Tavistock and Pontivy was a real spectacle and produced a real battle and saw these two teams play free flowing football of a very high standard.

Mike Cotter the manager of TCFC U14s was full of praise to the boys from both sides and thanked everyone for getting this match on the fixtures.

Ability counts teams Tavispecials v Newton Soccability had a fantstic time and showed how much friendship is a part of their football.

The final match between Union Inn and Tavistock Tyres at Langsford Park produced a superb game with lots of support and great goals before Tavi Tyres won 4-2. Ryan was man of the match with Andrew Vallance receiving the Tom Wakenshaw Respect award. Olympic silver medallist and patron of the event Heather Fell presented the original cup to the skipper of Tavistock Tyres James Follett whose brother Dan lifted the first cup in 2006.

Allen added: 'The event has shone and has put a smile on football's face and supported three worthwhile causes. Thank you everyone for your support!'