A STAR trio of Essex cricketers turned out for a charity match which raised thousands of pounds for a good cause.

Tim Phillips, Greg Smith and one-day captain Ryan ten Doeschate took to the field at Harwich and Dovercourt Cricket Club on Friday to raise money for Bliss, a charity aimed at helping babies born prematurely.

A Bliss XI featuring the professionals made 156-4 in their 20 overs before a Harwich and Dovercourt side failed to chase down the target.

Organiser Carl Jobling, whose nephew Connor Simpson has become firm friends with Ten Doeschate, was bowled over with the success of the event.

“It went absolutely brilliant and we have raised close to £3,000 which far exceeded the target we were originally aiming for,” he said.