STARS from television and pop music pitted their ball skills against the best of the Royal Air Force in a charity match.

A hard-fought game saw the celebrities register a comfortable 5-2 win, but the RAF side put up a convincing performance in front of a crowd of about 2,000.

Medway-based Mickey Ambrose organised and managed the Celebrity XI, a team that included stars from TV shows such as The Bill, EastEnders, Footballers' Wives and Hollyoaks.

The proceeds of the event at Lordswood Leisure Centre will go to the Jubilee Appeal for Commonwealth Veterans, which supports veterans in the poorest parts of the Commonwealth.

Balbir Judge, who organised the event, said: "It's been phenomenal. The support has been incredible." Also catching the eye of the crowds were singers Lee Latchford-Evans from Steps, the group 3SL and Double RR from the So Solid Crew.

Other team members included John Pickard, who played David in the BBC comedy Two Point Four Children and Colin Salmon, from Prime Suspect.

The RAF team was lead by Corporal John Barrett. Actor and singer Robson Green started the Celebrity XI 10 years ago and since then it has raised more than £500,000 for charities.

Before kick-off, music was provided by local singing stars Declan Galbraith and Carly White, with master of ceremonies KM-fm's Ian James.

Mickey Ambrose said he wanted to give something back to the veterans who had fought for Britain in the Second World War.

"This appeal has touched me after I watched a programme on TV and I wish it every success," he added. "These people need our support as we needed theirs 60 years ago."

Stanley Blow, Kent's chairman of the Jubilee Appeal for Commonwealth Veterans, said he was proud to be associated with the event.

Anyone wishing to make a donation should telephone Balbir Judge on 01474 352714.