Malcolm Waite, president of struggling East Leeds Amateur RL, was invited to the 65th birthday party of his old team-mate Keith Brattley.

The two had played together over half a century ago at Coldcotes School, Gipton, when they were just 10 and later at Henry Barrans Youth Club but had not seen one another for many years.

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Mr Brattley and his wife Val had planned a joint birthday celebration at the Leeds Irish Centre in York Road. Because of the happy memories rugby had given him, Mr Brattley and his wife decided instead of buying presents for the couple, guests should make donations to East Leeds.

As previously reported East Leeds are struggling to take over the running of the old East Leeds Working Mens' Club and are desperate to raise as much money as possible to help run their youth and junior teams which include around 280 youngsters as well as two open-age teams.

The club has been a nursery for some of the country's finest rugby league talent and has seen RL stars Danny McGuire and Richie Mathers come through the ranks.

When friends and family arrived at the party Mr Brattley was given over just over £900 to help the club.

But the former scrum half urged people to break the £1,000 barrier which they easily did, raising an incredible £1,045.

Mr Waite said the cash will be a massive help in the club's battle for survival.

He said: '"For people to raise that sort of money in the recession-hit times we are going through is fantastic and a true measure of Keith and Val's generosity and shows the kindness that his family and friends have, and I would like to say on behalf of he club many many thanks to everybody concerned."