A WHARFEDALE MP has been taking on political colleagues and opponents alike - at football.

Alex Sobel (Lab, Leeds North West) took part in the first ever Parliamentary Soccer Aid on Wednesday, June 6.

The cross-party, five-a-side tournament was held at Westminster to promote this year's Soccer Aid match for Unicef UK.

The biennial fundraiser sees an England team take on a Rest of the World squad - both made up of celebrities and former sporting greats - at a major stadium.

This year's Soccer Aid was due to take place at Old Trafford on Sunday, June 10 and the Westminster tournament was held to publicise it and the work of Unicef.

Mr Sobel, whose constituency includes Otley, Pool-in-Wharfedale, Bramhope and most of Yeadon, said: "It was great to take part in Parliamentary Soccer Aid, helping raise awareness of the vital work of Unicef and this year’s Aid Match.

"Unicef does such vital work providing life-saving food, vaccines, clean water and protection from violence to millions of children around the world and together we can support them to do even more."

The celebrations continued after the Parliamentary tournament when stars from Soccer Aid for Unicef - which this year includes Usain Bolt, Eric Cantona and Sir Mo Farah - were welcomed at 10 Downing Street.

One hundred per cent of all public donations to Soccer Aid for Unicef will be doubled by the UK Government, up to a total of £5 million.

For more details visit socceraid.org.uk .