A SQUAD of hard-tackling rugby chums showed real plucky team spirit when they took part in a sponsored head-shave for team-mate Ted Rawsthorne who is undergoing treatment for cancer.

Ted, a pupil at Rainford High School, was diagnosed with testicular cancer in January, and is currently undergoing a course of chemotherapy. The treatment resulted in Ted losing his hair and so his team-mates from Pilkington Recs under 16s decided that they would shave off their hair for charity as a message of support.

Skipper Liam Bostock told the Star: "We're a real close team and there's a great spirit here. The lads wanted to do something to show Ted that he's got all our support and we wish him the best. Together we've raised around £600 and we hope to donate the money to the Cancer Foundation".

Ted's dad Ralph, who is secretary of the Pilkington Recs RL Club, praised the lads' efforts saying: "This is a great thing that the lads have done, they arranged to do this off their own backs and I would like to thank them".

Ralph added that he hoped that the players' gesture would raise awareness of testicular cancer. "Ted is a non-smoker, non-drinker and a fit young man, this shows that all men should be aware of this form of cancer".

Meanwhile, the under 16s team spirit seems to be paying off on the pitch as well as they have reached the Lancashire Cup Final and the semi-final of the National Cup.