THE father of late Grove teenager Maisie Norton has praised his area’s community spirit for helping to organise a third annual fundraising football match in her memory.

Steve Norton also thanked local driving instructor Stewart Saulter, who has donated a football kit for this year's games next month in Maisie’s favourite colour – pink.

Mr Norton, 55, said: "I wanted to say a big thank you to Stewart as gestures such as his show the generosity of local businesses around the area.

"Without people like him we would probably be scratching around playing in white T-shirts – it’s great generosity."

Wantage FC, who Maisie and her siblings played for, are hosting this year's event on Saturday, May 12, from 11am until around late afternoon.

An hour-long ladies' match will kick off first at Alfredian Park, before a 90-minute men’s game.

Maisie, who was a keen footballer, died following a six-year battle with cancer in 2015, after three relapses.

The 17-year-old had won awards for her fundraising, bravery and tenacity.

Proceeds from the annual football tournament go to the Caring Cancer Trust which funds non-animal tested research into cancer and take young cancer sufferers – including Maisie – on special holidays.

Mr Norton added: "The Caring Cancer Trust are coming over from the Isle of Wight [for the game] – they are just lovely people."

Blake Latimer, a friend of Maisie, approached the family about organising a game in her honour a few months after she passed away.

Mr Norton said: “It’s been very successful, with all local people donating cakes, funds and all sorts to a charity close to Maisie’s heart.

“The community is full of very special people. Many friends are coming back to play in the game – it’s brilliant.

“Hopefully it’s a special day like it was last year.”

Maisie’s brother Owen’s side have been donated the full kit by Mr Saulter, who runs a driving school in the area and is currently teaching Owen to drive.

Owen’s 11 will play against Blake’s 11, who will be turning out in Wantage FC’s away kit.

Mr Norton is also coaching the women's side during weekly training sessions ahead of next month’s game. The group of female friends will be split into two even teams before the game.

Mr Norton joked: “I have got four weeks to get them into shape!”

He also hinted at the possibility of a dads' ‘walking match’ next year.

Mr Norton is also planning to make a charity walk in late June called Marching for Maisie, with a number of friends.