More than £1,000 was raised at the match between the New Peel Panthers of Heckmondwike and the Heavy Woollen Donkeys from Shaw Cross, at the Princess Mary fields in Littletown.

It was during a training session for the Panthers in March that David Beaumont collapsed and died, leaving his widow Jackie and their two children Oliver and Stephanie.

David, 49, was a long-time rugby league fan and a huge supporter of the Peel Panthers, who his son Oliver played for. His daughter Stephanie is also a keen sportswoman who used to play women's rugby.

After the game, which the Peel Panthers won 42-10, the players and supporters went to the Royal Hotel in Heckmondwike for a celebration of David's life with fun and games, raffles and barbecue.

Money raised from the event will go towards the WAY Foundation for widows and young children.

Jackie, of Byron Grove, Dewsbury, said it was a fantastic day and everyone who played received a commemorative trophy.

"I was a bit overcome initially, but it was just such a lovely day," she said.

"David was such a huge rugby fan, he went rain, hail or shine. He died doing the sport he loved and this was such a fitting tribute to him. He would have loved it.

"There were so many people there who wanted to take part - there were lots of substitutions so that everyone could play, and it was a joyful way to celebrate David's life.

"It just shows what good people there are out there, when all you hear about is so much trouble going on."

Oliver said: "It was a brilliant day - a fantastic way for my dad to be remembered. We'd just like to thank both teams and everyone involved."

The match will now become an annual event.