NORTH-EAST football legends who have starred at the highest levels will pull on their boots once more and take to the field for a sporting extravaganza tomorrow.

Former favourites from Newcastle United, Middlesbrough, Sunderland, Darlington and Hartlepool are taking to the field, in front of what is expected to be a well-attended event.

Boasting the likes of Geordie favourite John Beresford and former Sunderland captain Kevin Ball in their ranks, the legends will face a soap stars team.

The clash will be the highlight of a busy day of sport at the Darlington Football Stadium, in Neasham Road.

Prior to the celebrity game, dozens of youngsters will be performing on the big stage in the finals of The Northern Echo Soccer Six tournament.

Twenty-eight junior teams began the competition, which is sponsored by Arngrove Group Holdings, and they have now been whittled down to the eight finalists.

They will be battling for glory in under-12s and under-14 contests, with the semi-finals beginning at 11am.

That tournament will be followed at 1pm by the legends versus celebrities match.

Other stars due to grace the Quakers' pitch include former club managers Jim Platt, Mick Tait and Gary Bennett, as well as current boss David Hodgson.

Frank McAvennie, Martin Gray, David McCreery, Brian Atkinson, John Anderson, Kevin Scott, Terry Cochrane and goalkeeping legend Mark Prudhoe are set to feature as well.

Former World Cup referee George Courtney, from Spennymoor, County Durham, will be the man in the middle, ensuring fair play.

The other commitments of Coronation Street stars, who sent the message: "We would love to be there, but we are at Les Battersby's wedding", have led to a fresh array of television favourites lining up for the opposition.

Actors from Emmerdale and Hollyoaks, as well as stars of Sky One's football drama Dream Team, will be appearing.

Tickets are £5 for adults, and £3 for under-16s and concessions. Admission is free for under sevens.

Tickets can still be purchased from The Northern Echo offices in Priestgate, Darlington, until noon today, or at the gate tomorrow.

All proceeds will go to the Sports Aid Northern charity.