WANDERERS have donated thousands of pounds to a charity which supports servicemen who have have lost limbs or their eyesight.

Club representatives handed over a cheque of £12,800 to Blesma, The Limbless Veterans charity at its annual garden party event in Blackpool.

Club chaplain and head of community trust Phil Mason and former Wanderers midfielder Tony Kelly were on hand to present the cheque to the charity's chief executive, Barry Le Grys.

Also present was Wanderers fan Stuart Robinson, who lost both legs while serving with the RAF Regiment in Afghanistan.

The charity was the club's national charity throughout last season, and raised money throughout the year through initiatives including sales of a limited edition third shirt to bucket collections at matches.

Mr Mason said: “It was wonderful to be part of the celebrations for Blesma Week at the Blackpool Home last week.

"We were delighted to present a cheque to go towards the magnificent work of Blesma. Blesma was our chosen charity for the season as we commemorated the 100th Anniversary of the outbreak of World War 1.

"The partnership for the past twelve months has been very significant to us and we have built up lasting relationships with a great charity.”

Mr Le Grys added: “Blesma is tremendously grateful to Bolton Wanderers Football Club; the fans, players and the staff have all been hugely supportive. "The experience has been delightful, our veterans feel truly valued. The club and Blesma both have strong ties to World War One and the 2014/15 season commemoration partnership has been a privilege.”

Blesma, The Limbless Veterans is the national charity for all limbless service men and women, their widows and dependants. It was formed in the years following the First World War and became a national charity in 1932.

Hundreds of Wanderers supporters recently attended the annual club remembrance service, which remembered 'Wanderers at War' and told the story of former Whites Bolton captain Harry Goslin who was killed in action after leading the team to fight in the Second World War.