EIGHTIES pop sensation Tony Hadley is teaming up with ex-Arsenal players for a match in memory of a football fanatic.

Darrell Bing, one of the co-founders of Eltham Royals Football Club, died last year aged 38 from a rare wasting disease.

To honour Mr Bing, the club is reforming to play a game against the Arsenal Ex-Professional and Celebrity XI squad, which includes the former Spandau Ballet singer, Royle Family actor Ralf Little and former players Perry Groves and Paul Davis.

Cash raised at the charity football match on July 20 will go to Demelza, Hospice Care for Children's appeal to build a children's hospice in Eltham.

Matthew Bell, 38, a good friend of Mr Bing, and former member of the Eltham Royals, said: "He was heavily into football, both as a player and as a supporter when became too unwell to play.

"He had an encyclopedic knowledge of football, he loved it."

Mr Bing, who was single, lived with his parents Ann, 66, and John, 79, in Dairsie Road, Eltham. He has an older brother Phil.

Mrs Bing, who's retired, said: "I think it's fantastic, he'd be so proud. His friends have been wonderful."

They chose Demelza because he used to regularly donate money to childrens' charities.

The former Deansfield Primary School pupil set up the Eltham Royals, which were based at Eltham Park South, with Kenny Earl in 1986.

He played for the team and was club secretary. But Mr Bing, who worked for Citibank, suffered from adrenal leukodystrophy, and gradually lost the use of his limbs.

After battling the illness for more than 15 years it claimed his life in June last year.

The Eltham Royals came to an end in 2001, but a group of players continue to play the occasionally game, and have formed a committee to organise the charity match.

It will kick off at 3pm at Thamesmead Town FC's ground in Bayliss Avenue. Gates open at 1pm for pre-match family entertainment and tickets costs £2 each (free for under 10s).

To make a donation visit justgiving.com/darrellbing