Former Manchester City legends will be going head-to-head with members of emergency services in a charity football match on Friday, in aid of the Manchester bombing monument.

Ian Brightwell, Peter Barnes and Les Chapman are just some of the City icons who will be playing at Hyde Football Club on October 20.

Opponents include Simon Dear of Greater Manchester Police, David Yearley of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and Andy Wood of North West Ambulance Service - many of whom were present on the night of the arena attack on May 22.

All funds made from ticket sales will be donated to the Manchester Memorial Fund which will be used to establish a permanent monument for those affected in the terror attack.

The goodwill initiative is one of several which the M.E.N. is celebrating as part of the #WeStandTogether campaign to highlight good deeds and caring by Greater Manchester communities.

Speaking about the reason for backing the campaign, Derek Partridge from Haughton Green - manager of the former Manchester City players team who raise money for charity - felt compelled to raise money for the cause and reached out to the emergency services.

“They are so excited because most are Man City fans playing against their heroes.

“It’s going to be very special,” he said.

The 70-year-old, who manages the team with Peter Barnes and Allan Grafton MBE, was an outside-left (midfielder) for Hyde United for four years before becoming a manager at Macclesfield Town F.C. and then Manchester City.

In 2014 Derek was presented with a Medal of Distinction and a Commendation from the Armed Forces for his long-standing dedication to various charitable causes, including The Christie and Cancer Research.

“I’ve been doing this for over 30 years and we’ve raised over a million pounds in total,” he added.

Derek’s grandchildren Hugh Chambers, 9, and Charlotte Chambers, 7, created ‘an enormous bee’ as part of a school project, which will be taking pride of place by the pitch and will be open to bidders.

Speaking about his excitement for the big match, Derek said: “We’re very proud to be part of it. We love Manchester.

“You don’t have to be a football fanatic. It’s if you are proud of who you are and what you do in Manchester,” added Derek.

Kickoff is at 7.30pm and tickets will be available to buy on entry at £5 for adults and £2 for pensioners and children.

Players Taking Part

North West Ambulance Service:

Andy wood

Wyse Povbes

Jo Scully

Chris Brown

Mike Jones

Mark Sullivan

Mark Taylor

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service:

David Yearley

Renny Tumine

Damien Billingham

Greater Manchester Police:

Simon Dear

Tony Hanlon

Dave Elson

Jimmy McGowan

Mark Rose

Manchester City Legends:

Nicky Weaver

Ian Brightwell

Colin Hendry

Gary Bennett

Neil Poynton

Reece Day

Jim Whitley

Les Chapman

Peter Barnes

Uwe Rosler

Paul Dickov

Simon Bower

Paul Newton

Tony Barras

#WeStandTogether is our campaign for a more peaceful Greater Manchester. We want to make sure every child in Greater Manchester is given the chance to learn about peace and how to solve problems without turning to violence; To encourage and celebrate acts of love and kindness and to help fight every kind of crime which is driven by hatred. We’re working with the Foundation for Peace and Greater Manchester Police - and we want community groups, businesses and YOU to join in too.