A KNOCKOUT conkers tournament raised hundreds of pounds for a campaign which is trying to find a young boy a bone marrow donor.

Thousands of people have so far signed up as bone marrow donors for six-year-old Marley Nicholls, who is battling the rare blood condition aplastic anaemia.

Without a transplant, doctors have said he could die in the next few years.

And on the weekend, Pill Harriers RFC decided to donate all proceeds made at its annual conker championship to the family.

The event - called the World Annual National Conkers - asked all competitors to pay £2 to enter a knockout-style tournament.

Mark Everson, who was the referee, said: "We have always held a conker championship every year and donate the money to help a cause.

"Marley's dad, Joe, used to play rugby here. Because of that link the rugby club decided to donate the money to the family, who are trying their hardest to get Marley a bone marrow.

"It was a good night. A custom ring was built for the event. The number of competitors gets whittled down over the course of three hours to find the champion.

"This year's winner was Ben Torjesen from Pill, who managed to beat Gareth Hassell in the final."

Mr Everson added that he was grateful that the club had managed to raise more than £500 for the family.

He said: "Thanks to the generosity of the competitors and spectators, we raised an excellent £506 for Marrow for Marley.

"This money is going towards a good campaign."

For more information on the campaign, visit the Facebook group Marrow for Marley.