Football fans flocked to Meadow Park stadium on Sunday to watch an Arsenal Celebrity XI take to the field in tribute to London bomb victim Phil Beer.

The guest team played a Boreham Wood All Stars side in a match to benefit the family of Mr Beer, a 22-year-old hairdresser from Masefield Avenue, Borehamwood.

The event was hailed a complete success by delighted event organisers, as even the prospect or rain could not keep the crowds away.

Tony Hadley, the former lead singer of Spandau Ballet, traded in his mic for footy boots and rugby league superstar Martin Offiah seemed to effortlessly adapt to the odd-shaped' ball.

But at the end of the day, Tony, Martin and the rest of the Arsenal Celebrity XI were no match for the All Stars, a side made up of current and former Boreham Wood FC players, who triumphed 5-3.

Mr Beer's sister Michele said: "It was really good. It was nice to see so many people turn out for my brother.

"We just want to thank everyone, all the players, Dave Lewis the event organiser and everyone who put so much work into organising the event.

"I don't know much about football, but it was a good game. My husband, Ross Brady, also played for the All Stars."

Michele's children, Jimmy, two, and Jamie, six, also lent their support as Boreham Wood mascots.

"They were very well-behaved mascots and provided vital support," she said. "We were worried that it may rain but the weather held out for us. I think the whole thing was amazing."

Mr Lewis donned a Wood strip for the occasion. "It was a very, very good day and we had a very good turnout," he said.

"It was great to see the celebrity players mingling with Joe Public' after the game, in the bar and around the ground.

"It was a game played in fantastic spirit. We don't know exactly how much we have raised yet, but it's into the thousands."

Arsenal, as holders of the FA Cup, brought the trophy along, so fans could have their picture taken with it.

Another of Mr Beer's four sisters, Stacy, said: "Both teams played very well in an exciting game. Tony Hadley was very good and Martin Offiah played up front.

"It was very nice that everyone braved the weather and came out on a Sunday afternoon."

The organisers now hope to make the match an annual event, to keep alive the memory of Mr Beer, who was killed in the blast on the Piccadilly Line train at King's Cross on July 7.

Michele added: "Our family was so impressed that everyone was willing to put so much effort into the day and the yearly event to remember my brother."