Atherton Councillor Mark Aldred and Leigh MP Andy Burnham take part in charity match (From Leigh Journal)

Atherton Councillor Mark Aldred and Leigh MP Andy Burnham take part in charity match

10:45am Wednesday 10th March 2010 in

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A MAYOR and Minister are kicking off for football glory in a big match of the day.

First citizen, Atherton Councillor Mark Aldred, and Leigh MP and Secretary of State for Health, Andy Burnham, have pitted their wits against each other in a challenge that involves the beautiful game.

Only this isn’t for cup glory, it’s for a worthy cause - the Mayor’s charity Together We Care to help people with dementia.

The Mayor’s First XI will be facing off against Burnham FC on Friday, March 19, at Leigh Sports Stadium.

United fan Cllr Aldred said: “Both Andy and I are big football fans and we thought it would be a great idea to coach our own teams and then have a match.”

Both team sheets are closely guarded secrets but rumour has it that a number of MPS and MEPS may be turning out for Everton fan, Mr Burnham.

The Mayor has been trying to pull a few strings with one of the borough’s better known football teams to see if they can spare a star striker on a free transfer for the evening.

Mayoress Cllr Karen Aldred will be lacing up her boots and taking to the field as part of her husband’s team.

Mr Burnham says he’s delighted to be helping support a very worthy cause but is in no doubt about which will be the winning team.

“It’s a game of two halves and the first 90 minutes is the most important,” he says. “I’ve been working the team hard and we’ll be going all out for victory on the night.

Kick-off is at 7pm and tickets, priced £2, are available from the Mayor’s Office on 01942 404149.