SPORTS stars and celebrities teamed up with North-East businesses to raise thousands of pounds for an international children’s charity.

More than 20 celebrities including gold-medal winning Olympic athletes, Premier League footballers and rugby and cricket stars took part in the annual Steve Cram Celebrity Golf Day at Slaley Hall, in Northumberland, in aid of North-East charity Coco.

Former World Record holder Steve Cram was joined by athletes Daley Thompson, Kriss Akabusi, John Regis, Mick Hill, Leon Taylor and Brian Whittle.

The world of football was represented by Mark Bright, Steve Watson, Eddie Gray, Gordon Armstrong, Craig Hignett, Jim Montgomery, Alan Thompson, Ritchie Pitt and Steve Stone, all teeing off at Slaley.

The golf was followed by a fundraising dinner, auction and raffle with the event poised to raise more than £15,000.

Since it was founded in 2000, Coco has since raised more than £3.5 million for projects in remote regions of the developing world that help alleviate the poverty that prevents children’s education.

Steve Cram said: “I am always hugely grateful to the North East business community and my friends and colleagues in the world of sport for the support that they give the Coco celebrity golf day.

“Once again, they have all come up trumps and we have enjoyed a fantastic day of fundraising at De Vere Slaley Hall. The golf course was in great condition and competition was as fierce as ever.

“Most importantly, we are all raising a lot of money that will be invested directly into projects that are transforming young lives in some of the poorest parts of Africa.”