Staff from Lidl swapped the shop floor for a football pitch and raised £4,500 for the children’s charity, the NSPCC.

Area manager Derek Morris and Louis James, duty manager from the Runcorn store, organised a charity tournament.

Lidl has teamed up with the NSPCC to help protect children as part of a three year programme.

The supermarket chain has formed a partnership with the children’s charity to provide crucial advice to one million primary school on how to stay safe from abuse.

The retailer is committed to raising £3 million over the next three years for the NSPCC’s Schools Service.

Lidl employees from stores across the north west and Wales including Runcorn, Holyhead, Wrexham, Warrington, Wigan and Blackpool fielded 15 teams.

More than 130 players gave up their time to take part in the event at JMO sports park in Skelmersdale on November 12, supported by their family and friends.

Derek said: “The response I have had from my Lidl colleagues has been amazing.

“I had no idea it would grow into such an event and raise a lot of money for the NSPCC.”

Currently the charity has only managed to get into two-thirds of primary schools across the country with their Speak Out! Stay Safe programme.

But with Lidl UK’s support, the NSPCC hopes to reach every primary school in their interactive assemblies and workshops designed to keep young children happy and safe from abuse.

With the help of their mascot Buddy, specially trained staff and volunteers help youngsters to understand abuse in all its form, recognise the signs of abuse and know how to protect themselves and seek help.

The safeguarding sessions are provided in a lively, interactive and memorable way, at no cost to schools.

They are aimed at youngsters aged five to 11.