When EastEnders football team came to Isle of Wight

Under the name of Walford Boys Club, stars including Nick Berry (Wicksy) Tom Watt (Lofty) and Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale) lined up against the Glen Moreton XI.

Glen was a top Island swimmer paralysed in an accident in France and left in a wheelchair. 

The first game, in April 1988 at Newport Football Club's Church Litten ground, raised money for him and Marcus Rowe. a sufferer of brittle bone disease.

The EastEnders (Walford Boys Club) team from the 1988 game. (Image: Barry Groves)

These pictures were sent to us by Barry Groves, who organised and played in the games.

Alongside him were Island football luminaries such as the late Chris Cheverton and the late Dave Attrill.

Barry Allen, Oscar Stretch, Tim Smart, Tony Grimwade, Peter Groves, John Watson and Phil Moore were also in the squad alongside the late John Hannam, well known Island sports and entertainment journalist.

The Glen Moreton XI were bolstered by Nick Holmes, former Southampton player who was then playing for East Cowes Vics. 

The Glen Moreton XI from the 1988 match. (Image: Barry Groves)

Harry Redknapp and former professionals Jimmy Gabriel and Frank Lampard Snr were also named in the squad.

The Glen Moreton XI won 2-1 but charity was the real winner with £4,000 being raised.

Two years later Walford returned with the game being held at Newport FC's then new St George's Park ground.

Steve McFadden (Phil Mitchell) is among the faces seen in pictures of this game.

How the County Press covered the first game (Image: Isle of Wight County Press)

Islander Mark King, of Level 42, performed the kick off.

Walford Boys Club were coached by Arsenal star Paul Davis on that occasion.

Thanks to Barry Groves for his pictures of the games.