A celebrity team from Arsenal will take to the pitch on Canvey when a football fundraiser is held for voluntary groups.

The special Arsenal team will face Canvey Island Football Club in the game on Sunday August 8.

Players who could appear for the North London side include Spandau ballet singer Tony Hadley, entertainer Gary Wilmott and a host of former Arsenal stars.

TV personalities from EastEnders and The Bill are also listed in the 24-man squad.

Tickets will cost £5 for adults and £3.50 for concessions and will be available from the ground in Park Lane from July.

Money raised from the game will go to Volunteers United, an umbrella group set up to raise funds for about 20 groups in Castle Point.

Match organiser Peter George, of Volunteers United, said: "The ground will take 5,000 people and we are hoping to sell as many tickets as possible.

"I have been an Arsenal supporter since I was four and I work at the ground on match days. I kept on hearing about the charity eleven and thought it would be a great idea for Volunteers United.

"I contacted them and they agreed to come along. Something like this will really bring it to the forefront and let people know exactly who we are and what we are doing.

"This is one of the biggest things ever to have happened on Canvey and we are looking to raise about £20,000 from it."

Organisers are also looking for local companies to sponsor the match. Anyone interested should call Peter George on 01268 510999.

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