TV AND sports stars helped raise £30,000 at a charity cricket match near Chester.
The Lords Taverners annual celebrity cricket match was held at Cholmondeley Castle.
Chester chairman of the Lords Taverners, Mark Fearnall, said: “We had more people attending than last year, and the money raised was fantastic. With the economic climate as it is, we are amazed.
“The match is becoming one of the social events of the year. Everyone enjoys the day, it is fun and relaxing.”
Mark Blakemore, chairman of The Northwest Lords Taverners, said: “Without the generosity of our sponsors, Baker Tilly, Cazenove Capital Management and DTM Legal, and all the celebrities donating their time, we could not have done it.
“Everyone has been more than generous. It is a wonderful event.”
The Lords Taverners raise money to give young people, particularly those with special needs, a sporting chance.
The cricket team from Derwyn House, Oswestry, attended to show off their new minibus provided by the Northwest Lords and Lady Taverners.
TV chef Ainsley Harriott was popular with the crowds and organisers said he proved a good cricketer.
Other players included stars of stage, screen, cricket and Premier League footballers.
TV host Nick Hancock captained the celebrity team while Lord Francis Stafford headed the Lords Taverners Team.
The celebrities beat the Lords Taverners by two wickets.
Gordon Kennedy, who plays Little John in the BBC series Robin Hood, was named man of the match and presented with his trophy by Gill Jones of Baker Tilly.
