HE couldn't be there in person but a life size cardboard cut out of Johnny Vegas ensured the comedian's presence was felt at the launch of the Steve Prescott Foundation's Crown Green Bowling Challenge.

Vegas will rekindle his rivalry with former Saints skipper Paul Sculthorpe as they face each other over the lush green grass at Ruskin Leisure on Father's Day.

It is the second time the pair have clashed to raise money for the foundation following their ping-pong showdown in February at Andy Reid's Cinema Bar.

After suffering a narrow 21-18 defeat at the hands of Scully it is an opportunity for Johnny to level the scores.

But the crown green event is open to the public and will see 64 people battle it out to get down to the last 16 when they will be drawn alongside a celebrity partner for a doubles competition.

These include Saints players past and present as well as Martin Murray, Andy Reid, Lee Briers and the BBC's George Riley.

Martin Blondel, general manager of the foundation, said: "The ping pong event was hilarious both Johnny and Scully took it serious but also managed to entertain the crowd. We are elated that we are once supported by Bartons Pickles. The crown green challenge is going to be fantastic, we have a plethora of celebrities ready to take on the public and Vegas and Scully. I anticipate a huge demand for entries into the competition. There is going to be no finer place for all the family to celebrate Fathers Day than Ruskin Sportsground."

The event will take place on Sunday, June 21 from noon to 6pm.

There will also be a range of entertainment on the day including a kids disco, Reefs' Reptiles, water zorb and an inflatable snowboard.

It will be hosted by Pete Emmett and is free to spectators. To enter the competition make a £10 donation per person via justgiving.com/steveprescottfoundation or £15 for 'dad and lad', quoting JV Bowls.

Enquiries can also be made via Ruskin Leisure.

For further information email info@steveprescottfoundation.co.uk or contact Martin Blondel 07971792859