Despite a few heavy downpours and last minute player arrangements, a charity football match was hailed a success today at the Walks Stadium, King's Lynn.

However organisers of Middleton-based charity, The Lisa Wiles Red Wellies Brain Tumour Support Fund, had a mad dash to get replacement players as they only learnt last night the actors from the Channel 4's Hollyoaks could not play due to a change in filming schedules.

Fans of the soap were initially left disappointed however everyone pulled together to make sure the day was a success and enjoyable.

Luther Blissett of the winning team said: 'It is a very important charity and in this country we are first class for helping charities. As professional footballers we are fortunate we have our health and this is an opportunity to give something back and put a smile on someone's face. I know that the Hollyoaks actors are very disappointed they couldn't make it today.'

Players for the winning team included former Welsh International Andy Legg, former Watford player David Johnson, and former international and Watford and Peterborough player Derek Payne.

Captain of the Red Wellies Select XI team Tom Cunliffe, who is the owner of The Lounge in Kings Lynn, said that 'both sides played really well.'

Other players for the Red Wellies side included Gary Setchell, who is manager of Kings Lynn Town FC, Fakenham Town manager Wayne Anderson, Jake 'the hair' Watson and Ryan Mark Taylor from KLFM.

Mayor of West Norfolk Barry Ayres and his wife, Mayoress Christine came to watch the match.

Mr Ayres said: 'It's superb and it's been a great turnout for such a good cause as fundraising is very much needed in this area. I am pleased to be here to support it.'