SOCCER mad actor Ralf Little is preparing himself for a football tour of Africa.

The star of the BBC's popular Royle Family is polishing his boots in readiness for a series of matches against local African sides.

He will be using the skills he learned while training with Bury Football Club and, more recently, Hartlepool United.

The former Bolton School pupil has never made a secret of his desire to become a footballer.

He insisted that playing football was his biggest dream and said: "I'd drop acting in a second to play football."

The 22-year-old, who grew up in Bury, has starred in TV shows such as Two Pints of Larger and a Packet of Crisps and Paradise Heights. Other highlights of his career include his portrayal of New Order bassist Peter Hook in the film 24 Hour Party People, and a nomination for Most Promising Performer at the 2002 Olivier Awards. So to turn his back on acting would surprise some people. It would, however, be the second time he has a change-of-heart when it comes to his career -- Ralf went to medical school in Manchester after his A-levels but decided to give acting a shot after landing a role as Anthony in the Royle Family.

Ralf will fly out to Africa on February 16 with a squad of celebrities and listeners of BBC Radio Five Live.

The listeners are being asked to telephone the radio station to convince the team manager that they deserve to be shortlisted for the squad.

From February 7 to 14, one squad shirt will be put up for grabs each day with the short-listed entries played on air, allowing listeners to vote for who they think should be included.

Money raised from from the tour will be handed to the charity, Comic Relief, which holds its Red Nose Day on March 14. The football players are due to fly out to Africa on February 16.

Call the premium rate number 0906 5577555 before February 7 if you want to have chance of playing alongside Ralf. Calls cost no more than £1 and 70p goes directly to Comic Relief.