Instead of the normal £5 admission charge fans at Saturday’s match with Dalbeattie Star were asked to donate at the gate.

And the supporters from both clubs responded with a generous sum of £356.07.

Wilma Gunn MBE of Scottish HART said: “We would like to express our sincere thanks to Gala Fairydean Rovers FC, the supporters who donated on Saturday and a special word of thanks to the committee of Dalbeattie Star who also made a generous donation.

“The money raised for the charity will help us continue the work of raising awareness about cardiomyopathy and other heart diseases. We look forward to working with the club on a more regular basis and congratulate them on this excellent initiative.” Kenneth Gunn from Scottish Hart was on hand to collect a cheque from Gala Fairydean Rovers and to also present the man-of-the-match award.

Gala Fairydean Rovers FC secretary Graeme McIver said: “We are delighted that we have been able to contribute towards such a worthwhile cause.

“The club are keen to extend our relationships with local charities and community partners and Saturday was just the first in a series of events that aim to ensure that Gala Fairydean Rovers live up to our community initiative motto 'a club with a heart in the heart of its community’.”