STARS of TV’s Hollyoaks drew crowds of admirers as they tackled a team of stable hands and jockeys in a charity football match.

Popular characters from the Channel 4 show took to the field at Walsham-le-Willows Football Club on Saturday.

Fans of the show gathered to watch the match against Racing Newmarket FC, in aid of the charity Racing Welfare.

Lisa Parkington, 24, from Garboldisham, was at the sidelines to cheer on the team.

“I’ve watched Hollyoaks on and off for quite a few years,” she said. “I was quite surprised when I heard they were coming to Walsham.

“It is a nice opportunity to see them in a different location.”

Players from the Hollyoaks football team take part in charity matches across the country to raise finds for the Alder Hey Imagine Appeal which raises money for the Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool.

The boys put on a strong performance against the Racing Newmarket team, winning the match 7-2.

Hannah Bambury, 16, said: “I watch Hollyoaks all the time.

“Some of them are quite different in the flesh.

Although the Hollyoaks team won on the day, both teams enjoyed a celebration after the match before heading off to sponsors De Niro’s nightclub in Newmarket in the evening.

Nick Pickard, Hollyoaks team captain who plays Tony Hutchinson in the show, said the boys had thoroughly enjoyed their day in Suffolk.

“It’s been great,” he said. “It is nice to get away to a new place. We can’t really complain about the match.

“We all just enjoy a game of football and a run out for a good cause.”

As well as the action on the pitch, spectators could enjoy a beer tent, hot snacks and even browse stalls at the club.

Howard Jones, organiser of the event, said he was pleased the event had gone well.

“It has been a good day,” he said. “The Hollyoaks boys enjoyed themselves. They are a great bunch of guys.”

Money raised at the event will also go to help Racing Welfare, helps people who work, or have worked, in the British racing industry .

“The racing lads also enjoyed themselves,” Mr Jones added. “It’s a good day out for them. It’s a day away from racing.”