STARS of the television soap Emmerdale are taking on a York cricket team to help raise money for St Leonard’s Hospice.

Heworth Cricket Club is preparing to play a team from the popular ITV soap with the aim of raising thousands of pounds for the Tadcaster Road hospice.

The teams will meet at the Elm Park Way ground on Sunday, May 22.

Huntington man Phil Allan, who works as a generator operator on the Emmerdale set, has helped to organise the match.

Mr Allan, 44, said: “It should be a very enjoyable day. “We tried to organise the event a few years ago with the cast but it fell through. I know the actors in Emmerdale and I asked if they would take part in connection with St Leonard’s Hospice and they were pleased to. It’s raising money for the hospice, which does a fantastic job.

“People recognise the actors off the television so it will be fun to cheer them on.

“It should be an enjoyable day.”

It is expected that the team will be captained by Chris Chittell, who plays Eric Pollard in the show, and will include a handful of past and present cast members, including Matthew Wolfenden, who plays his son, David Metcalfe.

Other stars expected to attend the match include Frazer Hines, Chris Bisson and Charley Webb. Further actors will be confirmed. As well as the cricket, there will be a steam train for children, a barbecue, a bouncy castle and a bungee run.

The York team will include a representative from St Leonard’s Hospice, which is also holding a stall on the day.

Tickets cost £5. To buy tickets or for further information phone 07935 490117 or email heworthcc@hotmail.com