Friends and family of a teenager who died in a car crash are playing football for 24 hours to raise money in his honour.

Jonathan Sharples, from Aspull, and his friend Daniel Harrison died after a tragic accident in December 2007 when the tyre of the Kia Jonathan was driving disintegrated, sending it into the kerb sending it sideways across the road and into a tree on Old Kiln Lane in Heaton.

Both Bolton School pupils were just 17 at the time and ever since the tragedy, the family and friends of Jonathan have raised thousands of money for charity including through a 250-mile bike ride.

Now, family and friends have organised a 24 hour football match on Saturday, June 25 at Bolton Arena, starting at 9am and finishing 9am the next day.

Friend Jonny Parkinson said: “It’ll kick off with just friends and family but we are hoping as many people as possible will join us during the day and take part for as long as they want.

“It’ll be a continuous game of football and anyone can take part at any time but around 15 of us will be here for 24 hours playing constantly.

Some people might be in their 60s and play for 10 minutes but our group will be there for hours.”

Food and drink will be laid out for the teams as well as tents for quick naps while donations are encouraged but not mandatory.

Jonny said: “It’s about honouring the memory of Johnny and it’s fitting because we used to play football together with our own team.

“He was a West Ham fan so we’ll be in similar colours too.”

Jonathan’s mum and dad, Dave and Cath Sharples have chosen the When You Wish Upon A Star charity and Salvation Army to raise money for.

Jonny said: “He was hugely popular both at school and with friendship groups outside of school as he was a great person to be around, which is evidenced by the number of people who are taking part in the football match. 

“He was a keen sportsman, particularly football and rugby, with his success on the field partly down to his determination and competitive nature.

“I'm sure he would have relished being involved in challenges like the match we are organising.”