JOKER Steve Cunningham outshone the stars at yesterday's charity match by stripping off and streaking.

Stars of Coronation Street, Brookside and Hollyoaks turned out in aid of Rossendale United player Steve Bird.

But it was Dale star Cunningham who stole the show.

Having started the game wearing mud on his face as a form of war paint, the striker threw a mock tantrum when he was substituted after 10 minutes and then set off on his streak, ending it with a dive into the mud much to the delight of the watching fans.

Around £3,000 was raised for Bird, who has been unable to work since breaking his leg in the side's FA Cup game against Barrow at the beginning of October.

Hundreds of fans watched former Manchester City pro David White - now Rossendale United's President - and his celebrity side take on Dale.

The visiting team featured the likes of Alan Halsall (Tyrone from Corrie), Philip Oliver (Brookside's Tinhead ), Mark Moraghan (Holby City's scouse doctor Owen Davis), Chris Bisson (Vikram from Corrie) and Nick Pickard (Tony from Hollyoaks).

The Dale side raced into a 5-1 lead but the celebrity side clawed their way back to respectability - eventually losing 6-5 - thanks to two goals from White and a super shot from 20 yards from Philip 'Tinhead' Oliver.

Players and fans danced the night away after the match, entertained by Bacup Irish band The Good Citizen.