SOCCER stars from yester-year will be donning their boots for a charity fundraising event.

The Wessex Autistic Society will be kicking off its latest fundraising appeal with a football match at the Weymouth Avenue Football Stadium in Dorchester.

Former Southampton stars will be taking on ex-Yeovil Town players in the match to raise cash for new leisure facilities for people in West Dorset with autism.

The charity hopes to raise £525,000 to develop the leisure and activity centre in Broadwindsor.

West Dorset District Council granted planning permission for the centre last month and the family fun day and football match on Bank Holiday Monday (May 7) will be the first event to raise cash for the cause.

Debbie Anderson, marketing and fundraising manager for Wessex Autistic Society, said that as well as the charity football match a wide range of family events have been lined up.

"If you are a parent stuck for fun ideas to keep the family entertained on the May bank holiday, why not come down for a day of football and fun?

"We would very much appreciate your support."

She said the event will raise much-needed funds for the new leisure and activity centre in Broadwindsor for adults with autism.

"The new centre is to replace existing outbuildings on part of an eight-acre site. The centre will be used by adult residents who currently live on four homes on the site, alongside non-residents who will also benefit from the service."

The Southampton team, featuring stars including Jimmy Case, Nick Holmes, Rodney Wallace and Forbes Phillipson Masters, will take on a Yeovil team including current coach Steve Thompson.

The football match kicks off at 3pm and admission is £2 for adults and free for children with pre-match entertainment on the pitch from 2pm.

Other entertainment will be held outside the stadium from noon and includes the Dorset Youth Marching band, stilt walkers, a balloon artist, face painting, bouncy castle, an assault course, sideshows and craft stalls. There will be a beat the goalie competition at half-time.