A TEAM of postal workers has challenged a group of television soap stars to a charity football match in York.

The Yorkshire Post Office football enthusiasts will be pitting their skills against the cast of ITV’s Emmerdale in a friendly fundraiser on Sunday, at York Railway Institute.

The match is in aid of St Leonard’s Hospice in York and kicks-off at 2pm.

Andy Day – postman, team manager and club secretary of Acomb-based Sunday League football team Marcia Grey FC – has recently obtained a two-year sponsorship deal with York-based law firm, Pattinson & Brewer.

He has organised the event with the help of Jade Hessay.

Andy said: “I am so chuffed with the support we have had from my work colleagues, the Post Office, Pattinson & Brewer and, most of all, from the cast of Emmerdale, who have really entered into the spirit of the competition by putting up a brilliant team of players and supporters.

“We’re very grateful to them and Yorkshire TV for their involvement.”

Jane Radcliffe, a partner at Pattinson & Brewer, said: “Andy Day has been our Bridge Street office ‘postie’ for years, and his cheerful, positive approach has so impressed us that when he said he was looking for support for his worthy local cause we couldn’t say no.

“I know we are required to give some serious vocal support on the day and we’re providing a ‘Challenge Cup’ for the winning team. Hopefully we can make this an annual event.”

Ms Radcliffe will present Pattinson & Brewer’s specially-commissioned cup to the winning team, and photos of the event will be published on the Pattinson & Brewer website. Other raffle prizes are being provided by local companies, including Streamline Taxis.