A HOST of footballer celebrities will put their golfing skills to the test as they battle it out to raise cash for children with life-threatening illnesses.

Darlington Charity Cup, which makes donations to sick youngsters, is holding the golf day which will see 20 of football and sporting big names go head to head in an altogether different setting.

Former Bradford City player and president of the charity, Ben Smith, has roped in some old pals for the contest later this month.

Among the line-up is Newcastle United scout Kevin Stonehouse, TV presenter Les Langley, former world boxing champion Glenn McCrory, ex-Newcastle United players Alan Shoulder and Billy Rafferty, former Sunderland and current Gateshead FC player Simon Ramsden and ex-Sunderland player and coach Kevin Ball.

During the charity tournament at Woodham Golf and Country Club, in Woodham, near Newton Aycliffe, 20 teams of four, including one sporting celebrity, will take to the course.

Mr Smith said the charity was constantly in search of youngsters to help out and he hoped the fundraiser would raise the profile of its work.

“It’s to get recognition out there so that we can find people who we can donate money to,” he said. “We hope to raise as much money as we possibly can.”

A percentage of money raised will go to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle, while the charity also hopes to use some funds to buy resents to give to children in Darlington Memorial Hospital at Christmas.

Tee off is at 10am on Friday, September 22, and an evening fundraiser will take place at 7pm.

Members of the public are welcome to purchase tickets, costing £10 per person, to the night-time event which includes a meal and entertainment.

For more information and to book email info.darlingtoncharitycup@gmail.com