TELEVISION stars and former professional footballers pulled on their boots today for a charity football match in Bradford aimed at breaking down barriers in sport for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community.

The 11-a-side game saw two teams - Green versus Blue - battle for the Pride Cup, while also raising money for learning disability theatre company Mind the Gap.

The Greens - who included former Burnley midfielder Dennis Hill in their line-up - were the eventual winners, 5-3, over a Blues side that included ex-Bradford City, Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest player Craig Armstrong and actors James Hooton, Darren Luckin, Joe-Warren Plant, Liam Bairstow and Kieran Hardcastle.

Councillor Richard Dunbar, who made a cameo appearance for the Green team in the first half, said the pivotal fifth goal was a “controversial Hand of God style goal” by John Gallaher.

Coronation Street actor Liam Bairstow netted one of the goals for the Blues.

Cllr Dunbar said the football match - which was held at a University of Bradford pitch off Laisteridge Lane - was “about the 90th event” that had been held in Bradford as part of LGBT history month.

“It is ultimately about ensuring the LGBT community has a voice and that they can play football and can achieve like everyone else,” said Cllr Dunbar.

“In sport there is still an issue with homosexuality.

“It is about making people comfortable challenging that discrimination.

“People need to feel that they can get involved in things like sport and that there are no barriers.

“Events like this are massively important.”

Organiser Lindsay England said 1,000 LGBT rainbow ribbons had been distributed to Premier League and Football League clubs.

On yesterday’s match, she added: “It is about galvanising people.

“It is massively important to raise awareness and get the message out there.

“We have had people come from Nottingham, Derby and the north-west to play in the game.”

The Green team received their winners’ trophy at an after-party at Bradford Brewery. There were medals for all the players and live music.

Cllr Dunbar said: “It was a fantastic day.”