Soap stars from Emmerdale are gearing up for a cricketing clash with their ratings rivals when they take on The Bill on Sunday.

Favourite faces from the television shows will gather at the Bradford and Bingley sports club on Wagon Lane, Bingley, for the crunch match to raise cash for the Lord Mayor's Appeal.

And the heat is on for the boys in blue at The Bill who will be led by tough cop Detective Chief Inspector Jack Meadows.

Bradford-born actor Simon Rouse, who plays DCI Meadows in the popular series, said it is important for him to put on a good performance in front of the home crowd.

"I can't wait. We have a coach of 22 of us coming up and we are excited about taking on Emmerdale.

"We've played them once but because we are townies we don't have a cricket pitch so we are coming up north to show off our skills."

Sun Hill celebrities including stalwart PC Jim Carver, Det Con Danny Glaze and glamorous new girl Det Sgt Debbie McAllister are among those heading to Yorkshire and planning a night out in Leeds.

The selection of the final 11 is still under wraps but Simon said it will be players with the "clearest heads" and the rest of the cast will sign autographs.

Meanwhile Emmerdale captain Chris Chittell, who plays Eric Pollard, is polishing up on his bowling under the guidance of professional coach David Batty, of Cullingworth, and is confident of victory.

And Josie Pennington, chairman of the Bradford Lord Mayor's Appeal, said Councillor Richard Wightman can expect a little surprise from Eric.

"I can't say too much about it at the moment but I know that the Mayor of Emmerdale is planning a surprise for the Mayor of Bradford."

The match starts at noon and there is also a family fun day with children's fun fair, bouncy castle, quad bikes and water slides.

Free parking is available at Beckfoot School and there will be refreshments, a barbecue and a licensed bar.

Entrance is £2.50 for adults and accompanied children go free.

All proceeds will go towards Candlelighters at St James's Hospital in Leeds, which helps children with cancer.