Peterlee Mayor Coun Mary Cartwright is taking part in a charity rugby match this weekend with a twist.

Mayor Cartwright wants people to go along to the Horden Rugby Club ground, in the village's Northumberland Street, where she and a team of women will be taking part in a match against the club members.

The aim of the day will be to raise money for the mayor's charity fund, which will in turn give a donation to Horden businessman Dick Graham's Schools in Gambia charity, which helps schools in the stricken African country.

But while the women's team, called Shirley's Girlies after clubhouse manager Shirley Tait, will be dressed in full rugby kit, the men will be dressed as women and wearing wellies tied together.

Mayor Cartwright joked: "The men will be dressed as ladies and wearing wellington boots tied with string in the middle. It's not supposed to be fair it's just fun. They are a professional team whereas we aren't. But I'm sure with our strength we may overcome them."

There will also be a raffle and an auction on the day as well as games for youngsters during half-time.

The mayor said: "We held a similar event around 1991 or 1992 and I really enjoyed taking part.

"There will be a bucket going round for people to put their spare change in so I'm encouraging people to dig deep for a worthy cause."

The mayor's charity fund has now been running for a year and has helped a number of organisations such as the Butterwick Children's Hospice, Hartlepool and District Hospice, Peterlee Boy Scouts and Brownies, Guide Dogs for the Blind, The Lions, The Rotary Club, the Round Table and Haswell and District Mencap.

The game kicks off at 1.30pm on Saturday and entry is free.