THREE local hospices were winners after the inaugural Help the Hospices Family Day at AFC Bournemouth.

A host of activities, including face painting, keepy-up challenges and Powerstrike, were put on outside the Seward Stadium before the Cherries took on MK Dons in aid of Lewis-Manning, Julia’s House and Forest Holme hospices.

Discounted tickets for families were available, with a £5 donation from each one being made to the three causes, and defender Stephane Zubar also auctioned a signed shirt.

AFC Bournemouth general manager Liz Finney said: “It’s always good to see families, and especially children, around the ground enjoying their day with us because they are the future of the club.

“The Help the Hospices Family Day demonstrates that we are committed to offer competitive and affordable tickets for local supporters, as well as our dedication to supporting good causes around the town.”

The day was organised with the help of events management students from Bournemouth University who worked hard to make the event a success.

Louise Blackwell, communications officer at Lewis-Manning Hospice, added: “We’re really grateful for AFC Bournemouth’s support, and events like the family football festival enable us to meet more people in the local community and raise awareness for our charity, which helps local people with cancer and other life threatening illnesses.”