BLUE Star Juniors Football Club certainly have had its high profile friends, from a World Cup winner to the most successful football team in the world.

But the real stars are the 200 or so youngsters the club provides grassroots football for each year.

Their annual sportsman's dinners are now one of the most anticipated events in Blue Star's sporting calendar - Sir Geoff Hurst, Ray Wilkins, Matt le Tissier and most recently, Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling have all been guests of the club.

Blue Star have also forged links with Barcelona who donated a signed club pendant which sold for over £500 in an auction held on the night which helped swell the money raised from the event to £7,870.

And that total was 'match sponsored' by Barclays Bank who donated a further £3,000.

The latest event was held at a packed Premier Suite at Ewood Park where Andy Ashworth was MC for the evening while

comedian Lea Roberts provided the laughs.

But it was Stelling every one came to see - and club members all wore their Jeff masks in appreciation.

"Jeff was fantastic and had time for everyone, signing autographs and having his picture taken with them all," said club secretary Steve Ellis.

"He kept everyone entertained with stories of his life, behind the scenes on Soccer Saturday and an insight into his co-presenters and all the banter that goes on.

"The whole night was a huge success raising lots of money to provide kits and equipment needed to keep the children playing football.

"We are already planning an event for next year but this year's will take some beating, in terms of the speaker the comedian and the money raised."

The club, which has been running for 33 years, has nine teams from under sevens to under 18s and they all play in the East Lancashire Alliance League on Sundays.

It has recently set up its Little Stars training camp on Saturday mornings for Under 5s and Under 6s and it launched an Under Sevens team for next season.

Blue Star has also forged a good relationship with Darwen Rangers over the years and we have been invited by there secretary Ian Cordingley to join together and use the new facilities on the Square Meadow playing fields.

The club is always looking to attract new players and for details, contact Steve Ellis on 07817 904099 visit the club via Facebook, Twitter or the club's web page www.bluestarjfc.co.uk