ABOUT 1,500 youngsters are being joined by football celebrities during a soccer tournament this week.

The Sage Soccer Festival, which runs until Friday at Houghall College, near Durham City, kicked off on Monday with an opening ceremony.

During the course of the week, more than 100 teams of boys, ranging from under-11 amateurs to under-19 professionals, are competing for trophies.

One of the highlights will be a pro-celebrity match and live music tonight, in aid of the Rainbow Trust children's charity.

Among those taking part are former Newcastle United players Peter Beardsley, Warren Barton and Rob Lee, ex-Sunderland player John Kay and former Darlington player Gary Bennett.

It will be compered by Century FM's Paul "Goffy" Gough.

The festival is being run by GB Sports, with support from the Durham Development Company and Durham County Council