CHARITY was the winner when prison officers clashed with fire crews in a charity football match.

Prison officers Scott Middlesworth and Stevie Devlin teamed up with firefighter John McLaughlin to arrange the match in memory of a popular late colleague.

John McGuire, who worked at Gateside, lost his battle with cancer last June and his friends and colleagues were keen to to celebrate his life.

The big match was arranged and it was decided that any money raised would be split between Macmillan Cancer Support and the fund set up to help Greenock firefighter Andy Adams, who was left paralysed after a wall collapsed on him while on duty.

Around 100 people turned up for the event at Battery Park which swathe firefighters take the win in what was a close match.

John McGuire’s sons went along on the night and Andy also came along to watch the game.

The players managed to raise an impressive final total of £3,400 and Scott was delighted.

He said: “The match went very well and the fire brigade took the fire engines down which was a nice touch.

“The response to the event was very touching with loads of companies donating raffle prizes.

“We want to thank all the businesses, everyone who participated in the match and all those who came along on the night.”

Scott is now hoping that the charity match could become an annual event and is encouraging someone from the police and ambulance services to get a team together for next year.

A spokesman for Andy’s fund told the Tele: “I would like to thank the prison officers for including us in this charity match.

"The proceeds will be greatly appreciated by both the Adams family and the McGuire family.

"We would also like to thank all who have helped us raise funds and continue to do so."