CLARETS legends will take on their counterparts from Preston North End this weekend to raise money for the Gary Parkinson Foundation.

Former Turf Moor stars David Eyres, Roger Eli and Andy Cooke will line up as part of the ‘Vintage Clarets’ side at Bamber Bridge FC’s Irongate ground on Sunday.

Mr Parkinson, 45, who played for both clubs in the 1990s, was diagnosed with locked-in syndrome after he suffered a stroke in September 2010.

The game will also form part of the Football League’s 125th anniversary celebrations, with Burnley having first met Preston in a 5-2 defeat on September 8, 1888.

The event, which will also raise money for Rosemere Cancer Foundation and the Burnley Former Players’ Association, was the brainchild of 59-year-old Brian Ginty, whose wife Ann lost her battle with cancer four years ago.

Mr Ginty said: “It’s been fantastic to combine my passion for football with raising money for a local cancer charity that’s close to my heart.

“Given that 2013 is such a significant year in footballing history, we’re expecting the turnout and atmosphere at this game to be exceptional and hopefully we’ll raise plenty of money for charity too.”

Ex-Burnley defender Graham Alexander will feature in a Preston side also due to include Jon Macken and Kevin Kilbane.

Dan Hill, area fund-raising co-ordinator for East Lancashire at the Rosemere Cancer Foundation, said: “We’re very excited to have been selected as one of the chosen charities for this historic match.”

The game will kick off at 3pm and a fans’ forum will take place afterwards. Admission is £5 for adults, £3 for five to 16-year-olds and pensioners, and free for under-fives.

Mr Parkinson, who also played for Rossendale United, returned to his Westhoughton home with his wife Debbie and their children Luke, 19, Chloe, 16, and Sophie, eight, last December after adaptations were made.

He had been receiving full-time care at Priory High Bank Centre in Summerseat, near Ramsbottom.