A LINE-UP of celebrity sportsmen have been trying their hands at an altogether different game in a bid to help sick youngsters.

The host of former footballers, a television presenter and world boxing champion descended on Woodham Golf and Country Club, near Newton Aycliffe, to battle it out for charity.

Raising funds for the Darlington Charity Cup, which makes donations to children suffering from life-threatening illnesses, the players took part in the tournament on Friday.

Former Bradford City player and president of the charity, Ben Smith, who managed to rope in some of his old pals, said the charity day had raised an estimated £4,000.

“It’s been absolutely fantastic,” he added. “They’ve all played well and everyone enjoyed themselves.”

Among the played were 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.

The tournament saw 20 teams of four, including one sporting celebrity, take to the course for the competition.

And it was the team headed up by ex-Middlesbrough footballer Neil Maddison that won the charity golf day crown.

Following the game, an auction and raffle were held and a meal and entertainment helped raise further cash in the evening.

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.

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.

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