A TOP football official is set to be guest of honour at a fund-raising night in north Essex.

Darren Cann is an international and Premier League assistant referee, best known for running the line in the 2010 Champions League and World Cup finals.

He began refereeing in 1991, was promoted to the Football League in 2001/01 and the Premier League and UEFA Cup in 2005.

Now he is set to share stories and anecdotes about his illustrious career at an event for male cancer charity Orchid.

It is being held at the Marks Tey Best Western Hotel on March 19, starting at 7pm.

The event has been jointly arranged by local referees Dave Duffett and Andy French.

“I first found out about this charity in 2013, when a colleague called Mike Smith was diagnosed with testicular cancer,” said Dave.

“Mike is a referee and a Football League assistant.

“Happily, he’s now in full remission and recovering well.

“Since then, I myself have recovered from a second bout of skin cancer.

“I’m also now cleared and on the mend but these are the main reasons for organising this event, hoping funds can be raised for this worthwhile charity.”

More than 43,000 men are diagnosed with testicular, prostate and penile cancer every year in the UK.

Orchid is the country’s leading charity working in the area of male-specific cancers and was established in 1996 by testicular cancer patient Colin Osborne and the oncologist who saved his life, Professor Tim Oliver. Tickets for An Evening with Darren Cann cost £16.50, which includes a hot buffet.

There is a special price for tables of ten, of £150.

To book tickets or for more information, contact Dave Duffett on 07890 582972 or Andy French via 01787 477330 or 07841 538976.

Their e-mail addresses are dave.duffett@tesco.net and andylfrench@btinternet.com