OLD friends will be reunited as former Verulam School pupils return to watch an unusual charity football game.

The school's first eleven will take on a team of teachers in the Mills match' in tribute to Verulam pupil Ollie Mills who died suddenly from a brain tumour in 2005, aged 18.

In the last Mills Match two years ago £2400 was raised and the students trounced the staff 5 - 2.

"The staff are taking it more seriously this time," said 18-year-old Peter Sutton, a member of the organising committee. "They're holding training sessions and playing under the banner of The Empire Strikes Back'."

The money raised will go towards the Teenage Cancer Trust's new £2m cancer ward for young people at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge.

Ollie's mother Sarah Mills and brother Ed said: "We're delighted that Verulam is once again raising money for the trust in memory of Ollie."

Helen Bearfield-Smith of the Teenage Cancer Trust said: "The fundraising efforts of Verulam School are very important to us.

"Not only will the funds help build a new unit, but the event will raise awareness of our charity, which is vital in spreading the word about teenage cancer amongst young people."

St Albans Mayor Cllr Kate Morris will attend, along with local ex-England footballer and Match of the Day pundit Lee Dixon.

Verulam head David Kellaway said: "The Mills Match is becoming an established event on the school calendar. Staff, students, parents and friends all come together to put on a very enjoyable event that also makes a community contribution."

The match will take place on Friday March 14 at Clarence Park Stadium, with the kick-off at 1.45pm. Entrance is by donation of at least £1, and all are welcome.