HOUSING officers will line up against ex-professionals in a charity football match.

A team of ex-pros will take on a side from Three Rivers Housing, this weekend, at the 96.6TFM Darlington Arena.

The game, on Sunday, will raise money for Durham Women's Refuge and Darlington Football Club's Football in the Community team.

The ex-pros will include Middlesbrough striker Bernie Slaven, Sunderland FA Cup winner Micky Horswill and former Quakers boss Gary Bennett.

The team from Three Rivers Housing will include Century FM commentator Alastair Brownlee and Sky Sports reporter David Craig.

Mr Slaven said: "We play for charity and not for our ego.

"We hope a lot of people turn up and raise money for the charities involved." Durham Women's Refuge was launched in 1992 and recently opened a new shelter.

Refuge spokeswoman Dot Neve said: "We get regular, but generally smaller contributions.

"This it the highest profile event we have been involved with."

Half of the money will help the Football in the Community team pay for a coach for its school's programme.

Kevin Stonehouse, of Football in the Community, said: "This is a fantastic event and an opportunity to watch many ex-players in action."

There will also be a charity auction and lots will include a signed shirt from England striker Wayne Rooney and items donated by Chelsea pair Frank Lampard and John Terry.

Kick-off is at 1pm and tickets are £3 in advance and on the day.