MORE than 100 football fanatics are expected to take part in a memorial tournament for a much-loved leading light in the game in Wallingford.

Charlie Allum was a familiar face at the town's football club for more than 30 years and died aged 55 in 2011 from a rare form of bile duct cancer.

During his time at Wallingford Town AFC he took on various roles including playing, coaching, managing and working as club groundsman.

On Saturday, July 23 eight teams will compete in the tournament in his memory at Hithercroft Sports Park in Hithercroft Road.

It's the fifth annual occasion and funds will be raised for the charity The Alan Morement Memorial Fund, and the football club.

AMMF pays for research into new ways to treat cholangiocarcinoma, the rare form of cancer which father-of-three Mr Allum died from, and previous tournaments have so far raised a total of £17,000.

Son Chris, 35, a recruitment consultant who lives in Cholsey, said: "I am still buzzing from last year's event, which was a huge success and raised a fantastic amount for charity.

"The event has become a favourite in the town's calendar and people are always telling me how much they are looking forward to the day.

"I couldn't organise it on my own and I'm so grateful for the annual support of loyal helpers and the football club, which is greatly appreciated.

"There's a great spirit on the day and it's a lovely way to remember dad - we see a lot of people who knew him and played football with him.

"We are still signing up players and there could be as many as 140 on the day, with a one-off game for the over-40s.

"We are really looking forward to it and hoping for great weather.

"Last year we raised £2,776 so if we are lucky we will take the total amount we have raised over the £20,000 mark."

The 11-a-side knockout tournament will kick off from 11am across two pitches, featuring eight teams.

When he died Charlie left wife Julie, sons Chris and Andy, daughter Nicky and four grandchildren.

Debbie Nicholson-Cresswell, of AMMF, said: "Chris and his family have been amazing supporters of our charity and we are extremely grateful for their continued support in Charlie's memory.

"We appreciate all the hard work time and effort that is needed to put on an annual event and would like to thank everyone involved."

Anyone interested in playing should contact chrisallum101@btinternet.com and can make a donation by visiting justgiving.com/chris-allum