THE Mayor of Dudley will be welcoming the crowds at the upcoming charity football match between Stourbridge and West Bromwich Albion legends.

Mayor Councilllor Mohammed Hanif will also be starting the mascot race which will see the likes of The Baggie Birds, Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Wolfie and Toys 'R' Us' Geoffrey the Giraffe, take on an oversized obstacle course as they compete for mascot glory.

In its debut year in 2016, the charity match – which will this year take place on Sunday, April 2, at Stourbridge FC’s War Memorial Ground – raised more than £15,000 for Mary Stevens Hospice.

The match saw legendary Albion players including "Super" Bob Taylor, Darren "Big Dave" Moore and Paul Peschisolido represent the Baggies.

Amanda Bowen, deputy head of fundraising at the Stourbridge hospice, said: “This event has gone from strength to strength, and we’re absolutely delighted that the mayor has lent his support to the day by agreeing to play such a big part.

“Everywhere we go, we’re getting people asking us questions and talking to us about the football match and the buzz it's creating is just fantastic.

“We're incredibly excited for the day, and would just like to extend our thanks to the mayor for coming along to help.”

The charity match sees the teams compete for the Jane Webb Memorial Trophy, named in tribute of Stourbridge woman and hospice supporter Jane Webb, who passed away in 2015.

Jane’s son Matt, Stourbridge legends captain and event co-founder, said: “It seems like every day there’s something new and exciting going on and being confirmed for the day, and from my point of view it’s just a wonderful feeling to see it generate so much support from so many different areas of the community.

“When we stop and think about where we were just 15 months ago having never done an event before and being optimistic that we might raise 500 quid, it’s quite surreal to think we’re hoping to raise £15,000 and that the Mayor of Dudley has heard about it and wants to support us.

“It’s been a really incredible journey, and I just hope that everyone turns out on Sunday, April 2, to come and enjoy a fantastic community day out.”

Gates will open at 1pm for a pre-match family fun day, with tickets costing £5 for adults and free for under 16s.