A HOST of television celebrities are heading to the North-East to play in and support a one-off football match.

The event, at Darlington's Feethams ground, supports a film to be set mostly at the club and in the town.

The film, Down Among the Dead Men, is based on the groundbreaking autobiography Flipper's Side, by disabled Darlington supporter Paul Hodgson.

It has been under development for the past 18 months by North Shields production company Shakabuka Films.

The idea for the match came from Mr Hodgson.

Former Darlington skipper Kevan Smith is putting together a Quakers legends side for the match.

Ex-Chelsea and Scotland striker David Speedie has already pledged his support, and Mr Smith is hoping to recruit crowd favourites Mark Prudhoe, Carl Airey and Alan Walsh.

A celebrity team made up of famous faces from Coronation Street, Hollyoaks, Brookside and Footballer's Wives will provide the opposition.

Actor Tom Craig, who plays Tommy Nelson in Coronation Street, is organising the team which could include Bruce Jones, the Street's Les Battersby, and Brian Capron, who plays Richard Hillman.

Actress Denise Welch, who will play Mr Hodgson's mother in the film, will also be present. She said: "It's a beautifully written film and I think one of the most important and original screenplays to come out of this country in the past ten years."

The film is a feature from award-winning film-makers Nick Rowntree and Scott Mann. Stars from their previous film, which included glamour model Jo Guest, are also expected to be at the game.

Proceeds from the match, on Sunday, April 6, will go towards the film and a sponsored wheelchair push to raise money for people with cerebral palsy.

Tickets, priced £5 and £2.50 for children, will be available from the club or www.darlington-fc.net