A CHARITY football festival which has raised more than £50,000 for good causes is planning to hit the back of the net once again.

Hundreds of youngsters will flock to Gullane on May 20 for the event, which is raising money for Maggie’s, the village’s Christ- mas lights and Gullane Athletic Amateur Swimming Club.

Michael Spink, chairman of Gullane Athletic Amateur Football Club, was looking forward to the festival, which is now in its fifth year.

At previous festivals, more than £50,000 has been raised for good causes including Flora’s Fight Against Neuroblastoma, Jess Mackie Memorial Fund and Poppy Smith.

Michael said: “Ultimately, the sponsors involved – Tennent’s, Matthew Clark and others – these guys basically cover the costs so every penny spent at the football festival is donated to the various causes.

“A huge thanks goes to them in that sense.

“It is an amazing event and the community love it; not just Gullane but the whole of East Lothian.

“Kids love it, adults love it and it raises money.”

The festival, which is expected to attract as many as 2,000 people, gets under way on the playing fields beside the village’s primary school at 9am.

Children aged between five and 12 will take part in the event, with an adults’ tournament planned for the afternoon.

The festival will also feature a mums’ and daughters’ tournament.

Local businesses support the event with raffle prizes and Garden Stirling Burnet has sponsored the event.

A barbecue will also be held on the day, with beer and a Prosecco tent also on offer.

Shaws Butcher will also be supporting the event.