HUNDREDS of people joined a round of applause for teenager Louis Ross as teams of his friends played a charity football match in his memory.

The clash, hosted in aid of the Louis Ross Foundation at Wimborne Town FC's ground in Cowgrove Road, saw legendary managers Graeme Souness and Eddie Howe lead the teams onto the pitch.

Cherries boss Howe stepped in to save the day after Harry Redknapp was forced to pull out of the game.

The event was held to celebrate the life of 17-year-old Louis, who died in an accident in French ski resort Meribel in December 2015.

It began with a minute-long round of applause for the young sportsman, who played midfield for Sturminster Marshall FC, Holt United FC and Wimborne Town FC.

Welcoming hundreds of visitors to the ground, Louis's mum Penny said: "Needless to say, it will be difficult for us that Louis will not be among his friends and teammates on the pitch.

"However, it's important to us that they'll all be gathered together, remembering him and playing the game he loved, while raising funds for his foundation."

The Friends of Louis XI, led by manager Souness, wore blue shirts with 'Louis 10' on the back. Number 10 was the teenager's favourite shirt number.

Those playing for Wimborne and Holt XI, who were led out by Howe, wore red shirts with 'Ross 16' on the back as Louis wore the number 16 shirt when he played for Holt.

Penny said: "We're just overwhelmed.

"This could have been a humble game of football, but it's snowballed into something just wonderful."