THE Forest's famed fund-raising fun rugby team, Berry Hill Wappers, will be calling on all their squad, plus mates from rugby teams round the area, to give the Great Oaks Forest hospice project a major financial boost on Saturday.

The committee behind the Wappers v Forest All Stars match to be played at Berry Hill's Lakers Road Ground (kick-off 2.30pm) are already assured of over £2,000 in sponsorship and promises.

And a big turn-out is certain to take the total surging way past £3,000.

"It's going to be a great day, a family day, with something for everyone," explained Ian James.

"A lot of work has gone into organising the event and we are grateful to everyone who has helped with the cause. We think it is an important project worthy of support and the way people have reacted is heartening," he said.

The Wappers will take on a team made up of players from Bream, Cinderford, Drybrook, Lydney, Ross and Westbury.

Berry Hill Silver Band will provide music, there will be a bouncy castle for the kids and a disco to help swell the funds.

A small committee spearheaded by Ian James, Steve Brown, Paul Chandler, and Malcolm Stewart, backed by the efforts of Drybrook's Oscar Rawlings, have set the pace for the day.

An auction will offer the opportunity to acquire some notable rugby memorabilia including England rugby shirts donated by Phil Greening and Dan Luger and rugby balls signed by Wasps and Worcester RFCs.

Last year the Wappers raised £1,300 for CLIC.