YOUNG rugby league players in Silsden have raised more than £1,500 for a charity that helps bereaved families.

The Silsden Storm club has donated half the proceeds of all its fundraising events to the Sunbeam Support Group.

Throughout 2019 the club hosted a race night, a rugby festival and a Christmas party, and coaches and parents did a sponsored skydive.

The total proceeds of £3,130 have been split between the club and the Sunbeam Support Group, which supports families who suffer the loss of a child to stillbirth or neonatal death.

Players recently handed a cheque for £1,565 to the Sunbeam group.

A club spokesman said: "It was Silsden Storm's first year supporting a charity, and they look to make it an annual thing within the club. They have many events planned for 2020.

"The next charity is quite fitting, because they are supporting the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) in memory of club founder Phil Stephenson and in support of rugby league legend Rob Burrow."

Phil Stephenson, one of Keighley Cougars' most renowned players, died in September at the age of 47 from motor neurone disease.

Silsden Storm are currently recruiting players and coaches. Visit the Facebook page Silsden Storm ARLFC for details of how to join, and information on the fundraising events.