IT was football, rather than quidditch, that helped raise money for the Haiti appeal on Tuesday after local policeman Harry Potter invited fellow police teams to take part in a 5-a-side football tournament.

IT was football, rather than quidditch, that helped raise money for the Haiti appeal on Tuesday after local policeman Harry Potter invited fellow police teams to take part in a 5-a-side football tournament.

Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNT) from Caister, Rural Flegg Villages, Cobholm and Southern Villages, Yarmouth, Acle, Gorleston, Thorpe Hamlet and Bowthorpe raised �668 for the Christian Aid relief effort.

Hard fought matches at Yo Football in Harfreys Estate saw Cobholm and Southern Villages beaten 8-3 by Bowthorpe SNT in the semi finals, with Thorpe Hamlet SNT 3-2 winners in a close encounter with Yarmouth SNT.

Pride was at stake in the final between two Norwich teams, and in a very competitive final Bowthorpe were too strong for Thorpe Hamlet and ran out 6-1 winners.

Pc Harry Potter, who spent considerable time organising the event, paid tribute to all who took part in the event, many of whom had to rearrange duties and time off to take part.

He made special thanks to Dc Jim Blake and PC Andrew Symonds, who refereed the games, and Yo Football and their staff for their help in organising the event and allowing use of the venue.