STARS of the television soap Emmerdale are preparing to take on a York cricket team for charity.

Heworth Cricket Club will play a team from the popular ITV soap with the aim of raising thousands of pounds for St Leonard’s Hospice in Tadcaster Road.

The match has been organised by Phil Allan, a Huntington resident who works as a generator operator on the Emmerdale set.

Matthew Wolfenden, who plays David Metcalfe, said the team were excited to come to York.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to the match. I am captain this year.

“I know Phil very well and apparently his son is a good cricketer.

“We have a couple of good players – Chris Bisson is a very good cricket player. Chris Chittell, who plays Eric Pollard, is a good batsman, but an atrocious bowler.”

Other stars expected to attend the match include Frazer Hines and Charley Webb.

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

As well as the cricket match, there will be a steam train for children, a barbecue, a bouncy castle and a bungee run.

To buy tickets, which cost £5, phone 07935 490117.