NORTH End players past and present are to swap their footy kits for Cricket whites to help out former Lilywhite Ryan Kidd and a local charity.

The match, which will take place at Preston Cricket Club on Sunday, was originally arranged to raise funds for Ryan's testimonial fund.

But the popular Deepdale favourite has decided to donate half the proceeds to the Rosemere Cancer charity, based at the Royal Preston Hospital. Ryan explained: "People have put their hands in their pockets for me over the last few months and I received a generous testimonial.

"This is a way for me to give something back to the town as a way of saying thanks." Ryan had to retire from playing football last November at the age of 30 because of a serious neck injury and is pulling out all the stops to take part in the game.

Ex-PNE manager David Moyes will take a break from his duties at Everton to bowl the first ball of the match. Former players who will be padding up include ex-captain Simon Davey, Graham Atkinson, Julian Darby, and former physio Mick Rathbone.

Ryan said: "I'm really looking forward to this. Sometimes I get down because playing football is a privileged career and when it stops you really know about it.

"When I see my old team mates playing in a big game, it can be quite heartbreaking.

"So it is great to do something positive like this."

Ryan, who has to have a scan every 12 months on his back to ensure there is no further damage to his vertebrae, is now working towards getting a football coaching certificate.

The 40 over match at Preston CC, South Meadow Lane, starts at 2pm on Sunday. Admission is £2 and £1 for concessions.