Staff from the Daily Post and North Wales Weekly News faced a tough time on the pitch when they challenged a team of football legends to a match to raise money for charity.

The Trinity Mirror titles fielded a side, headed up by reporter Richard Evans, against a celebrity XI which included former Liverpool stars Ian Rush, Alan Kennedy and John Durnin, and ex-Manchester United players Mickey Thomas and Peter Davenport.

Ex-Coronation Street actor Bruce Jones and former Welsh Rugby Union and Llanelli captain Robin McBryde also took part.

But despite a tough fight from the newspaper team, the professional side won through, with a final score of 5-1.

Richard said: “It was quite an even match to be fair. We scored the first goal and it was 2-1 at half-time.

“I would say for a period we dominated, but it’s one thing to have the ball and another thing scoring- they made it count.

“It was close until the end when they managed to score three goals quite quickly – it was hard work and our team were absolutely exhausted.”

Richard (right) with Ian Rush. Pic: Gwyn Roberts

Richard and his team mates, which also included Weekly News deputy news editor Martin Williams, did enjoy some success however – raising £1,600 for the Ty Gobaith Hospice in the Conwy Valley for terminally ill children and their families.

Alan Kennedy, Ian Rush, Mickey Thomas, Peter Davenport and Bruce Jones also signed their football shirts and match balls, and it is planned to auction these to raise more money for the hospice.

Richard said: “They made us work and I just collapsed when I came off the pitch, even though I’m fairly fit and play football regularly.

“We had a few drinks afterwards and I couldn’t finish my pint because I was that tired!”

The match took place at Colwyn Bay’s Arena, in front of more than 450 spectators who turned out despite the bad weather.

Richard (left) with Micky Thomas. Pic: Gwyn Roberts