A Service charity, injured players and a local hospice have all benefited from fund raising efforts by Canterbury Rugby Club.

The biggest cheque went to the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund after a pre-match auction and raffle at the league game against Cambridge raised £2500.

The day was dedicated to the memory of a remarkable Second World War flying hero and Canterbury player, Wing Commander Commander Peter Ayerst DFC who died aged 93 in 2014.

The former Canterbury centre flew Spitfires and Hurricanes and survived numerous combat missions throughout the duration of the war, taking part in the Battle of Britain, El Alamein and D-Day.

Paul Hewson, the RAFBF’s South of England director said: “There is little doubt Peter would have been very touched by the tribute which succeeded in recalling his exemplary bravery during the war and his passion for the game of rugby.”

“He would undoubtedly have approved of the support to the fund which is the RAF’s leading welfare charity and still provides financial, practical and emotional support to members of the RAF family in their time of need, just as it did during WWII.”

“The day itself was a spectacular success in both providing a stirring tribute to a true hero and making a substantial contribution to the fund. Wing Commander Peter Ayerst DFC we salute you! “

Canterbury’s immediate past chairman, Giles Hilton said: ‘It is very important that a club who needs the support of others to survive should help charities which support our ex-servicemen and women. We are proud of our links with the services over many years.”

The RAFB was not the only organisation to benefit from the work of Canterbury members and players. Local cyclist John Corrigan made the RFU Injured Players Foundation his project in 2014.

Apart from the hundreds of sponsored miles he covered on his bike, John’s collections at Canterbury games enabled him to far exceed his target and hand over £2,100 to the Foundation.

In January a cheque for £500 was presented to the local Pilgrims Hospice, the result of club players braving the freezing waters in a charity swim at Whitstable.

Canterbury’s strong and long lasting association with the armed forces, in particular the Army regiments based in the city, have been reflected in major fund raising days for Help For Heroes, Combat Stress and the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment Benevolent Fund.