AS football fever continues to grip Japan and Korea with tomorrow's World Cup Final, Tenbury has its own big day this summer.

Aston Villa Old Stars will be back in town in August, full of praise for the town and with some special surprises.

Some of the greatest stars to pull on the famous claret and blue jersey will be in Tenbury following last year's huge success, when more than £4,000 was raised during their afternoon visit.

This year the Villa Old Stars, including five of the 1982 European Cup winning side, have agreed to play a pre-season friendly against Tenbury United on Saturday, August 10, with a 2.30pm kick-off at Palmer's Meadow.

They are also bringing with them prizes of signed football shirts from some of this year's current World Cup players and an Aston Villa European Cup Winners shirt, signed by the stars of 1982.

"The Aston Villa Old Stars had such a good time last year that they will now spend an entire weekend in Tenbury," said organiser Nigel Weaver.

"They said it was the best venue they had been to and best hospitality they have received and they want to take an active part in Tenbury United Football Club.

"We are still finalising the programme but it is our intention to host a sporting tournament of football on the Saturday and golf on the Sunday"

Aston Villa Old Stars will also be holding their Player of the Year Award evening in Tenbury although the precise venue has yet to be decided.

Among those visiting the county town will be Nigel Spink, Colin Gibson, Des Bremner, Chris Nicholl, Tony Daley, Ian Olney, Gordan Cowans and Tony Morley.

Money raised from the weekend, through sponsorship and a prize raffle, will go to Tenbury United Football Club and charities.

Last year's match attracted a crowd of about 500, who saw the All Stars romp to a 10-1 victory against Tenbury United.