AN ENGLAND cricketer has teamed-up with a host of celebrities to answer the prayers of Herefordshire churchgoers.

Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff returned to the crease last Sunday to raise funds for Elton Church, near Leintwardine, as well as Help for Heroes.

The Ashes winner lined-up against a team led by Herefordshire’s own John Challis, at Downton Hall, near Ludlow.

The pair were among the star attractions in a game that included ex-cricketers Derek Pringle, Richard Taylor and Vic Marks.

There were plenty of actors around the field, with Jim Carter, Christopher Obi and Imelda Staunton all turning out.

But there was also an offscreen reunion, as the man who played “Boycie” was reunited with Sue “Marlene”

Holderness.

Organisers believe the event - which included an auction and question session - could raise £30,000 for the two causes.

Flintoff said he was fully supportive of Help for Heroes after recalling a “humbling”

trip to Afghanistan with Gary Lineker.

The cricketer, who last played professionally in 2009, admitted being stumped and called soldiers “the ultimate team”.