SOAP stars swapped scripts for cricket pads yesterday to play in a charity match for Children in Need.

Fans of television and cricket mingled at Darlington Cricket Club's Feethams ground to see members of the Emmerdale cast take on a team from BBC Radio Cleveland.

This is the second year the event has happened and the Emmerdale team tours the country playing such matches.

Among the soap stars taking part were Chris Chittell, who plays slimy Eric Pollard, and John Middleton, who stars as village vicar, the Reverend Ashley Thomas.

Speaking during the tea break, Middleton said: "I wasn't here last year, because I was on holiday and it was a real pity.

"I hear rain stopped play last year, so let's hope it keeps off today.

"It's a great crowd and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves."

About the charity side of the day, he added: "Anything we can do in aid of things like that is great."

Sports reporter Len Brewer was among the Radio Cleveland team.

He said: "I was pleasantly surprised I could see the ball. I've discovered muscles I never knew I had.