SOAP stars from Hollyoaks, Emmerdale and Brookside were due to face each other at Worcester City's football ground today to net cash for a local charity.

The celebrity match was kicking off a week of fund-raising activities to raise awareness of Leukaemia CARE.

Hollyoaks stars making an appearance include Nick Pickard, who plays Tony, Marcus Patrick, who plays Ben, Jamie Luke, who plays Norman and former cast members Gary Lucy, who also starred in Footballer's Wives, and Will Mellor, who used to play Jambo.

The Hollyoaks lads will be supported by their co-stars Gemma Atkinson, who plays Lisa, Joanna Taylor, who played Geri, and Elize du Toit, who plays Izzy.

The Brookside stars will include Phil Oliver, who plays Tin Head, Neil Davies who was Robbie Moffatt and Paul Byatt aka Mike Dixon.

This team will meet rivals made up of cast and crew from Emmerdale including Jeff Hordley who plays Cain Dingle, Ben Freeman who plays Scott Windsor, and James Carlton who plays Jason Kirk.

The match kicks off at 3pm but before that, spectators can try and put one past Worcester MP Mike Foster in a "Beat the MP Goalie" challenge.

"The afternoon will provide the perfect setting for a friendly match between the two teams," said Nick Pickard, who plays Hollyoaks' Tony Hutchinson.

"I'm sure Tony will be his usual enthusiastic yet clumsy self, both on and off the pitch.

"Who can say who will win, the only must for the afternoon is to raise as much money as possible for Leukemia CARE Society."

Tickets cost £2 for children, £4 for adults and £10 for a family ticket, available from the Leukaemia CARE Society's offices on 01905 330003 or log on to the website at www.leukaemiacare.org.uk.

"We are hopeful that the afternoons' events, concluding with the football match, will help raise the much-needed £10,000 for Leukaemia CARE Society and that many people will show their support by attending on the day," said Marc Stowell, Commercial Operations Manager for Leukaemia CARE Society.

"The Society provides a much-needed port of call, for sufferers and their families. The money will help to maintain the excellent services offered by the Society."

Later that evening the stars will join member of the public for a Gala Dinner Dance at the Chateau Impney Hotel in Droitwich.