A CHARITY rounders match in Farnworth turned into a battle of the sexes - but with a twist.

Women wore football strips while men donned tutus, shawls and blonde wigs for the game, at Harper Green playing fields on Sunday.

Players raised £140 as a tribute to Carla Bate, aged 13, who died following a road accident in August last year.

Each player paid £5 to take part in the game. Spectators also donated cash to help swell the appeal fund.

The money will be given to support group Compassionate Friends, which has helped Carla's family come to terms with the tragedy.

Carla, of Primrose Avenue, Farnworth, died after she was hit by a sports car driven by 35-year-old Steven Lewis on Longcauseway, Farnworth.

Her family have so far raised more than £600 with a number of charity events including a sponsored head shave last week and Sunday's rounders game.

Carla's mother, Michaela Bate, said: "Everyone had a great time, and helped us raise money for a good cause.

"We're delighted to have done something in Carla's memory that can help other people."

A final event is planned for Saturday, June 18, when a sponsored fancy dress parade will leave the Shakespeare pub on Glynne Street, Farnworth, for the town centre.

Fund raisers hope to raise about £1,000 for Compassionate Friends, which offers support to bereaved parents in Bolton.

Carla's mother added: "We want to give them something back, because they've helped us so much and there aren't many people in the town who know about the work they do.

"We'll never get over what happened to Carla, but this has helped us to deal with it."

The rounders match saw the men finish winners.

Carla's best friend Leanne Keegan, now aged 14, from Aster Avenue, was left critically injured after they were hit by the car.

Lewis, of Westland Avenue, Farnworth, was sent to prison for eight years in December after he pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.