A FOOTBALL club has celebrated the completion of its new 3G pitch with a special dinner with an ex-England footballer.

Ray Parlour, who also played for Arsenal, was the after-dinner speaker at Little Oakley Football Club’s sportsman’s evening.

The ex-Gunners star entertained the sold-out event with his football stories and a question-and-answer session.

The evening was attended by 200 people and more than £1,500 was raised for the Royal Marsden Hospital.

Chairman Michael Good said: “It was a very special evening in the history of the football club and Ray was a top bloke.

“He joined us for the meal and stayed long after his scheduled departure time having photos taken and signing messages and autographs for many of our guests.”

Work on the club’s new training pitch, which cost £219,000, started in February and was completed last month.