A CHARITY striving to give disabled children a merry Christmas gained a helping hand from an ex-footballer.

ELHAP, a Woodford Bridge charity, benefited from a golf day organised by David Bentley, former Arsenal and Tottenham midfielder.

Mr Bentley, who co-owns La Sala in Chigwell, MC’d the event, which ended with dinner and a raffle at his restaurant.

The raffle raised £1,270.

Rachel Joseph, head of development at ELHAP: “We’re so pleased to have linked up with La Sala. It’s on our door-step and we both serve the same community.

“Their support will enable many more disabled children and young people to experience the joys of the outdoors at our adventure playground and woodland reserve.

“The golf day was a tremendous success and we look forward to organising many more events with La Sala Chigwell.”

Lydia Bright, former member of ITV’s The Only Way is Essex, also showed her support for ELHAP on the day.