CELEBRITIES are starting their training ahead of a charity football match being staged in Chatham later this month.

Stars from television and films will play the RAF at Lordswood Leisure Centre on Sunday, October 20, to raise money for the Commonwealth Veterans Appeal.

EastEnders star Dean Gaffney, Royle Family actor Ralf Little, Footballers' Wives star Gary Lucy and The Bill actor Chris Simmons, who comes from Cliffe, have all signed up to help raise the cash.

The day is being organised by Chatham-based actor Mickey Ambrose who is currently filming the second series of Footballers' Wives. He has organised many celebrity football matches during the last 10 years and helped to raise £500,000 for various charities.

The Commonwealth Veteran's Appeal helps former service men and women and has a target of £5 million to raise before March 2003. More than £3 million has already been raised.

Tickets for the game are now on sale and cost £2.50 each. They can be obtained from Lordswood Sport and Social Club, North Dane Way, the Army Careers office in Dock Road, Chatham, or from Balbir Judge on 01474 352714.