Former Workington Reds boss Derek Townsley is set to don his boots once more this weekend - all in aid of a good cause.

Townsley will play for Workington at Carlisle United's Brunton Park on Sunday in support of former team-mate Tony Hopper.

A host of ex-Carlisle and Workington Reds favourites are set to play in a major charity game in honour of former midfielder Hopper as he battles motor neurone disease.

And Townsley said it was the least he could do, to play in the game, and help raise much-needed funds for the Motor Neurone Disease association as well as three other charities.

"People just think so highly of him and they can't do enough," said Townsley.

"And if something as small as us pulling our boots on can help to raise funds and raise awareness for the bigger picture then that's great.

"Credit to all those involved, Tony was such a popular lad and really liked by all the lads that knew him and have played with him."

Townsley said it had been a pleasure to play alongside Hopper at Reds even though it was just for a short period of time.

"I was fortunate that while I was at Reds Tony was also playing. Even though it was a short time I count myself lucky to have played with him.

"He is a Carlisle lad as well so I have known him for a few years through football.

"It is testament to him that players are coming from far and wide and making the effort for this game.

"But these lads don't see it as anything to do this, given what a nice lad Tony is.

"People can't say enough nice things about him, people have always thought highly of him and he has always conducted himself really well, which is why everyone is keen to make the effort."

Townsley added it would also be nice to meet up with some familiar faces in both the line-ups.

"It's always a shame that things like this are needed to bring everyone together," he added.

"But I am sure that Tony, first and foremost, will want this to be a happy occasion and he will be looking forward to it as much as everyone else."

The Workington line-up will also include David Hewson, Kyle May, Anthony Wright, Adam Collin, Jonny Wright, Gareth Arnison, Gavin Skelton, Graham Anthony, Mark Boyd, Ian Milburn, Craig Johnston, Dan Kirkup, Shaun Vipond, Grant Holt, Steve Archibald, Alan Gray, Marc Green, Mathew Henney, Graham Goulding, Wayne Johnson, Stuart Williamson, Robert Ennis, Darren Wilson, Craig Potts, Barry Irving, Will Varty, John Wharton, Gary Milne and Mark Eccles.

Darren Edmondson and David Hewson take control of the Reds while Mick Wadsworth will be in charge of the Blues.

Carlisle's team will include Rory Delap, Matt Jansen, Paul Murray, Scott Dobie, Lee Peacock, Jeff Thorpe, Richard Prokas, Tony Caig, Stephane Pounewatchy, Dean Walling, Rod Thomas, Steve Hayward, Paul Proudlock, Steve Soley, Matty Glennon and Andy Watson.

Former cult hero defender Richard Keogh is also heading back to United to take part in the game, with Chris Lumsdon, Peter Murphy, Chris Billy and Simon Hackney among other recent favourites.

More than 1,000 tickets have already been sold and organisers are hoping many more will pay on the day, with entry £5.

All proceeds will be shared by the MND Association, Carlisle United Community Sports Trust, Great North Air Ambulance and Jigsaw Hospice.

Colin Carter, who is helping organise the event along with Ian Milburn and Derek Walsh, said: "It's a cheap family day out and it's all for a very good cause - as well as making some real memories for Tony."

Tickets are available from United's ticket office, the Cumberland Building Society on Fisher Street in Carlisle, Hodgson's Newsagents on Lowther Street, McCall's Bakery on Upperby Road and YESSS Electrical on Currock Road.