GALLERY A thriving cricket club played host to rather different opposition as celebrities and cricketing legends combined for a charity match.

A THRIVING cricket club played host to rather different opposition as celebrities and cricketing legends combined for a charity match.

Chris Tarrant, presenter of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? and former Coronation Street star Charles Dale were joined by ex-England captain, Mike Gatting, for yesterday's exhibition match at Sudbury.

Hundreds of fans and supporters turned up at the sun-baked Friars Street ground to see the stars of the Lord's Taverners, which also included a host of former top cricketers and Premier League football referee Steve Bennett.

Tarrant, who was joined in the charity side by his son Toby, said the emphasis of the day was about fun and praised the reception he had received in Suffolk.

“We are enjoying being at Sudbury and we are all having a great day,” said the radio broadcaster and television presenter. “I am a keen cricketer and these matches are always enjoyable while the people here couldn't have been more friendly.

“We have had a splendid lunch, the wine is flowing and the weather is excellent. It is great to see so many people here while raising lots of money for kids with all sorts of problems.”

The Lord's Taverners returned to Sudbury three years after their last visit when a massive crowd saw nearly 600 runs scored.

Gatting, who played in that match, paid tribute to the club's blossoming youth set-up which boasts a waiting list of youngsters wanting to take part in cricket.

He said: “Although it is about having fun and raising money, we wanted to help Sudbury Cricket Club as well. They have a tremendous colts section here and it is great to see the club getting kids off the streets by offering something which will help them as they grow up.”