A charity football match on the verge of being cancelled will now go ahead after businesses stepped in.

A team from The Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce was due to take on the Restore Community Church in The Broadway as part of the Loughton Festival to raise money for the towns foodbank.

But a lack of budget meant a pitch could not be secured and the event looked set to be called off.

Debden Sports Club has now come forward with an offer to stage the match in Chigwell Lane, company Higgins has contributed £200 to the cost of kit and Tesco in Waltham Abbey has supplied a trophy.

Loughton Festival director, Sue Taylor, said: “It has been amazing how the community has rallied around to help us.

"It will be a great event with so many different people working together to make sure it will take place.

“Now all we need is for everyone in the area to come and watch the game."

The match will take place on Saturday at 11am.