Soapstars back Save the Alex campaign

By Harriet Ernstsons 28/08 Updated: 29/08 11:56

Buy photos » Adam Woodyatt aka Ian Beale was among the celebrities to show his support for the Save the Alex campaign. (s)

CELEBRITIES, footballers and even cartoon characters leant their support to the Save the Alex campaign at a charity football match.

Soapstars including Adam Woodyatt - Eastenders' Ian Beale - and Emmerdale's Danny Miller proudly sported Save the Alex campaign t-shirts ahead of the game at the Valley Stadium on Sunday (August 26).

Mascots and United players also donned the t-shirts which had been sponsored by businesses Nxt Gen, James the Jewellers, Morris Mica Hardware, Cava Guard, Chilli Spice, Knights Pharmacy and the Redditch and Bromsgrove Standards.

Over 1,500 people packed into the ground to watch the action.

Redditch MP Karen Lumley, who attended the event and met the players, said: "It was a fantastic day and it was great to see so many celebrities willing to get involved in also raising the profile of our desire to keep services at the Alex.

"The football was played excellently and it has sent a strong signal that the people of Redditch will fight to keep services at the Alex."

Coun Rebecca Blake, who organised the sponsored t-shirts, added Redditch United had done a great job of organising the match and supporting local charities and Save the Alex.

"I would like the decision makers to see that yet again, local people are against cuts to the Alex including Redditch United, thousands of the fans, the local businesses who sponsored the t-shirts and not forgetting the young mascots too."