CELEBRITIES say they are “extremely excited” to visit Southend this weekend for a football match to raise money for a children’s charity.

Southend United Football Club will be hosting the celebrity charity match on Sunday at Roots Hall stadium.

EastEnders star Jake Wood and X Factor winner and Coronation Street actor Shayne Ward, will be among the stars battling it out on the football pitch to raise cash for Magic Moments Children’s Charity and Southend United Community and Educational Trust.

Mr Ward said: “Playing on any professional football pitch is always exciting and I’m sure a childhood dream for many of the players.

“But the cause is always what makes me want to play. Knowing that you are raising money for so many different charities is my driving force. I’m looking forward to playing at Southend.

“I haven’t spent a huge amount of time here, but the charity my partner Sophie is patron for, Little Havens, is under this umbrella. She’s a born and bred Essex girl and spent a lot of her childhood here.”

Jake Wood said: “I have played regularly in these celebrity matches for the last six years and it gives me a great opportunity to play in some great stadiums around the UK. So I’m really looking forward to playing at Roots Hall for the first time

“Having looked up the great work the charities do, it’s an honour to be part of this match to raise as much awareness and funds as we possibly can. I’ve been to Southend quite a few times and always enjoyed being in the area so can’t wait to be back.

“It will be fun to be up against Danny Dyer and I’m sure it will be a battle as we both hate losing.

“We have raised vital funds for different charities across the UK so here’s to the next 6 years.

“Looking forward to seeing everyone at Southend United.”

Magic Moments helps children who are suffering with life limiting illnesses in the UK.

The match starts at 3pm, doors open 1.30pm. It costs £10 per adult and £5 per child. Go to ticketing.southend-united.co.uk.