A CELEBRITY charity football match proved to be a huge success after fundraisers managed to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

United For Charity was formed in 2013 by Essex referee Chris Cooper after his mother passed away at St Luke’s Hospice, in Basildon.

Chris wanted a way to give back to the hospice and so set about organising a charity football match where people would have a chance to team up and take on a team of celebrities.

This year, celebrities taking part included Scott Robinson from boy band Five, Che Chesterman from X Factor, Paul Manners from Britain’s Got Talent, Harry Berry from Take Me Out, actors Leon Corbin and Tony Curl Pasqua as well as many others.

The game kicked-off at Bowers and Pitsea Football Club and the event attracted more than 450 spectators through the gates.

But there was much more than just football to keep people entertained. Spectators were treated to inflatables, characters, popcorn, candyfloss, snow cones, bubble football and stalls.

Speaking after the event, Chris said: “It was a fantastic day and we have raised at least £3,500 but we’re still counting so hoping it will only go up.

“I am hoping this is going to be an annual event and I can’t thank everyone who got involved enough.”

To donate visit justgiving.com/unitedforcharity