A CHARITY football match which raised hundreds of pounds for a “local legend” has been hailed as a fitting tribute.

Nearly 200 people braced the cold on Saturday, 30 December to pay tribute to Bernard ‘Bernie’ Smith, a highly influential character in Pwllheli.Bernie passed away in December after a lengthy battle with Motor Neurone Disease. He was 66 years old.A renowned figure across the Llyn Peninsula, Bernie was known for his love of football, coaching and his years of distinguished service for Pwllheli RNLI.

Nearly 200 people turned up on Saturday 30 December to play a match in Bernie’s memory before heading to a local pub to swap stories about the much-missed football fanatic.

One of the organisers Barrie Love, who played under Bernie and feels he owes his football career to his former coach, believed the event at CPD Pwllheli FC’s home ground was a great success.

“It was a fun event, definitely a fitting tribute for [Bernie],” Barrie told the Cambrian News.

“We had about 30 players and around 150 supporters. Bernie’s family were there too which was nice.

"The minute’s applause at the start was very well observed and poignant.

“The game was played in good spirit and the 25-29 year olds beat the under 25/40 plus’ 4-1 on the day.

“We don’t have a set figure for how much we’ve raised but it’ll be over £500, that’ll all be donated to a Motor Neurone Disease charity.

“Bernie was a very modest man but this was a very appropriate way for us all to say thank you to a local legend, he’s done so much for the town and townspeople.”