SOUTHAMPTON'S only inclusive LGBT rugby team has teamed up with a local charity to help people with heart conditions on the south coast.

Wessex Wyverns is aiming to provide backing throughout the coming year as it partners up with cardiac care organisation Wessex Heartbeat.

The charity has raised more than £13 million since setting up in 1992, with its achievements including 'Heartbeat House', a home away from home for relatives of patients being treated at the Wessex Cardiac Unit in Southampton General Hospital.

Mike, a Wyverns team player, said: "We are a diverse, supportive, and caring team, it isn’t just about playing rugby.

"Teaming up with Wessex Heartbeat and supporting a cause that affects so many people can be summed up simply; ‘Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much’."

Taking part in regular sport helps strengthen and lowers the risk of cardiovascular problems long term which is why the partnership is so important to the Southampton based rugby team.

The Wyverns is a LGBT all inclusive rugby team which welcomes players and supporters from all backgrounds, inclusively.