Friendly windfall for walkers

Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Kendal Town will be urging their fans to dig deep for two charity fundraisers during their pre-season friendly against Blackpool on Tuesday night.

County Councillor Clare Feeney Johnson and Kendal Town Councillor Alvin Finch are aiming to walk the length of Hadrian's Wall in September over three days to raise funds for two local good causes - the Daisey Garland Charity which offers help and support for people affected by epilepsy and the Gateway Centre, run as a partnership by Age UK South Lakes, South Lakeland Carers, Alzheimer's Society, Sight Advice and South Lakeland Mind.

Councillor Feeney Johnson's son is a keen fan of the Premier Division's Mintcakes and will lead out the teams for the friendly. The fixture is expected to feature a strong Blackpool side after the Championship club's manager Paul Ince promised to bring a first team squad. Kendal are expecting a big gate as a result and hope it will boost a bucket collection during the game for the duo's designated charities.

And as a bonus for travelling fans and locals, the club have organised food and drink from 5pm at the Netherfield Cricket Club opposite their stadium and are inviting fans to enjoy the good weather at the pre-match event before watching the 7.30pm kick off.

One player who won't be on show is Mintcakes keeper Craig Dootson after the club announced on Sunday that the fans' favourite had secured an improved deal elsewhere.

Kendal Chairman Haydon Munslow wished him well and said: "Craig has negotiated better personal terms and development opportunities elsewhere which Kendal Town with its current resources are unable to match.

"On behalf of all the members of Kendal Town we would like to take this opportunity of thanking Craig for all the loyalty, hard work and fantastic saves he made for our club and wish him all success in the future."