TELEVISION soap stars took on a team of Darlington FC old boys in a fundraising match yesterday.

Tom Craig, who plays Tommy Nelson in Coronation Street, assembled the celebrity team for the game at the club's Feethams ground, watched by an estimated 1,500 people.

Among the soap stars taking part were Alan Haswell and Andy Whyment, who play Tyrone and Kirk in the show.

The former Darlington players included Mark Prudhoe, Andy Toman, Steve Tupling, Mark Forster and current boss Mick Tait.

Proceeds from the match are being split, with part of the profits going towards the making of a film about the life of disabled Darlington supporter Paul Hodgson, starring North-East actress Denise Welch.

The rest of the gate receipts will go to the Percy Hedley Foundation, which supports people with cerebral palsy.

Mr Hodgson, who kicked-off at the start of the game, said: "To see all those people at Feethams makes it all worth it and everybody's been really good.

"Hopefully, we've raised a lot of money for the film production and the foundation."

The Darlington legends team won the match 4-3, thanks to a last-minute goal from Andy Toman.

Team captain Kevan Smith said: "I thought it was a great turn-out. The celebrity team really enjoyed the game. We kept it close, not deliberately, but I did have to crack the whip in the last five minutes.

"Most of all it was all for Paul. I've known him for years, and that's why I got involved to help arrange the match and I'm pleased for him."

Several supporters made a donation to play in the game, including John Vickerman from Richmond, Surrey, who paid £520 at an auction to take part.