THE final whistle has been blown on one of West Devon’s premier community sporting events, the Son-Rise Cup.

The football festival, which has drawn thousands of people to Tavistock and helped raise tens of thousands of pounds each year for local charities, has in some way become a victim of its own success.

Organisers have decided to end on a high after this year’s festival was such a resounding success.

The football festival was originally created to highlight autism and provide support for a mix of able and disabled players to benefit from the love of the game and its camaraderie.

As the event became more and more popular and grew exponentially, it has placed more and more demands on a small number of organisers. This year there were 130 football teams, 1,500 players, playing on 38 pitches at Crowndale.

Allen Lewis, a co-founder of the event, told the Times: ‘It is with a heavy heart and best wishes to everyone who has supported the Son-Rise Cup Football Festival the committee has decided to end the event.’

For the full story, pick up today’s edition of the Tavistock Times.