THERE are only a few days left before a star-studded soccer tournament gets under way.

The clash between a team of soap stars and a team of former North-East professionals is the highlight of a day of football in Darlington.

Before the celebrity match, dozens of youngsters will compete in the finals of The Northern Echo Soccer Six football tournament, being held at Darlington Football Stadium this weekend.

Twenty-eight teams started the competition, which is sponsored by Arngrove Group Holdings.

Eight teams from across the North-East are in the running for the under-12s and under-14s titles, and will play each other on Sunday morning.

After a trophy presentation and lunch break, the celebrity teams will take to the field.

Among those who will represent the North-East are Bernie Slaven, Frank Mc-Avennie, Jim Platt, John Anderson, Gary Bennett, Kevin Ball, Richard Ord, John Kay, Alan Shoulder, Martin Gray, Brian Atkinson, Mick Tate, Barry Dunn, Paul Atkinson, David McCreery, John Beresford, Micky Horswill, Kevin Scott, Terry Cochrane, Mark Prudhoe (in goal), Craig Liddle, Craig Hignett and David Hodgson.

The soap stars' team will be made up of actors from Emmerdale, Hollyoaks and Sky One's Dream Team, as well as reality TV star Jeff Brazier.

Former World Cup referee George Courtney will be supported by Alan Wilkie and everyone will sign autographs. The event will start at 11am on Sunday.

Tickets are £5 for adults, and £3 for under 16s and concessions, under 7s go free. To book, call (01325) 505199.

All proceeds will go to the Sports Aid Northern charity