A FOOTBALLING veteran from York who was part of last year’s England Seniors World Cup-winning squad is hoping to repeat the success next month.

Tonight will see a fundraising evening at the Knavesmire pub in South Bank to raise funds for Graham Bootland’s trip to this summer’s competition in Thailand.

Though the team is officially recognised by the English FA, Mr Bootland, 46, a former Hull City and York City player, must raise the £500 cost of the flight himself.

He said: “There are eight teams in it and I would have thought we would be in the favourites – but there are some strong sides.”

He said he was looking forward to tonight’s race night and raffle, and said he was grateful to all the businesses in South Bank who had donated prizes.

Tonight’s event begins at 7.30pm in the pub in Albemarle Road.