A FORMER international football referee will officiate an all-star fixture at The Northern Echo Soccer Six next month.

George Courtney will ensure former North-East pros and Coronation Street actors play fair when they face each other at Darlington Football Stadium, on Sunday, September 4.

And although Mr Courtney, from Spennymoor, County Durham, admits to being a soap fan he vows not to let his favourite characters get away with foul play on the pitch.

He said: "I do like Coronation Street, particularly Tyrone and Kirk, and am good friends with many of the pros but I won't let that influence my decisions.

"I will referee in the same way as at any level of the game, but I do hope to inject a bit of fun and humour to the match. That is what the event is about."

The celebrity fixture will be played between the semi-finals and final of The Northern Echo's first-ever junior tournament.

Mr Courtney, whose career saw him take charge of matches in the 1986 and 1990 World Cup finals, is supporting the event because he backs The Northern Echo's efforts to promote grassroot sports through its weekly Local Heroes supplement and annual awards.

He said: "I think sport bands people together, it is a community adhesive and so important to get young people involved. This idea is wonderful and I hope lots of people turn out to see the celebrities and the young teams who are being given a real opportunity to shine on the big stage."

The event is being supported by Darlington FC and sponsored by Arngrove Group Holdings Ltd.

Tickets, priced £5 for adults, £3 for under-16s and concessions or free for under-sevens, are available on (01325) 505199.