STAFF from Appleton-based Flextronics netted £4,000 after competing in a charity match against star-studded opposition.

The encounter, which featured former Everton star Graham Stuart, ex-Premier League referee Mark Halsey and stars from Hollyoaks, helped boost the company's fundraising total for The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity to more than £30,000.

The event, at Runcorn Linnetts' stadium, was the highlight of a year-long fundraising campaign for the global provider of logistics and after-market services, despite being beaten.

Joe Hitchmough, from Flextronics, organised the match with the help of Hollyoaks longest serving cast member, Nick Pickard, who plays the role of Tony Hutchinson in the show.

Joe said: "Clatterbridge is a charity that has a lot of personal significance to members of staff here and as soon as it was confirmed as our charity of the year, we pledged that we would do something a little bit different to raise a lot of money.

"I knew that Nick organised charity matches and thankfully he was very happy to get the cast on board.

"The Hollyoaks cast has been brilliant by tweeting pictures of themselves supporting Clatterbridge and promoting the match, in fact everyone has, nobody has really said no, from Graham Stuart to Mark Halsey, everyone has given their time and pulled together to make the match a success.

"On behalf of Flextronics I'd just like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part, helped organise or bought a ticket – it all counts and together we've raised an incredible amount of money for Clatterbridge."

Fabrizio Santino, who plays Ziggy Roscoe in the Channel 4 soap, and Duayne Boachie, who plays Zack Loveday, were among the goals.

It proved to be a entertaining evening enjoyed by all, including the three mascots, who were children of Flextronics staff.

A cheque was also presented to the charity by materials handler Dave Edwards' 11-year-old daughter Lauren, who raised more than £545 after being sponsored not to indulge in her favourite Magnum ice cream.

Jade Barrett, Clatterbridge's area fundraising manager, said: "The night was a fantastic success - we have been incredibly lucky to receive support from employees at Flextronics for the past 12 months.

"The £30,000 raised in total has made a huge difference to the lives of patients, helping to fund equipment, research and extra support services that would otherwise be unavailable.

"We cannot thank our friends at Flextronics enough."

For further information visit www.flextronics.com.