SERVING troops in the conflict in Afghanistan received a cheque for £40,000 raised by Spurs fans for the Royal British Legion.

Tottenham fan Sergeant Major Colin Nufer collected the money at halftime in tonight's Spurs-Villa game, and thanked fans for their “amazing” support.

The money had been raised through an online auction of the special poppy-adorned shirts worn by the side at the game against Fulham a fortnight ago.

Sgt Major Nufer and his troops from the 1st and 4th Battalion of the Rifles led the teams out before Tottenham ran out 2-0 winners.

The 1st Battalion has just returned from Afghanistan, while the 4th Battalion is preparing for deployment in the new year.

The auction was part of Spurs' ongoing efforts to support the armed forces, being a part of the Tickets for Troops scheme as well as the Help for Heroes fundraising efforts.