FORMER England rugby star Martin Bayfield will be guest of honour at this year’s NSPCC Sporting Lunch.

The ex-British lion will speak at the lunch to raise funds for the Safe Place Appeal, which funds the Hargreaves Centre, in Everton.

The centre, off Great Homer Street, opened in 2007 after the appeal run in conjunction with the Daily Post raised £17m.

It offers help with issues such as abuse, drugs, bullying and self-harm to children across Merseyside and the North-West.

Last year’s event raised more than £26,000, and it is hoped this year’s lunch will top that.

Stuart Hall, Radio Five Live’s football reporter and former It’s A Knockout presenter, will host the three-course lunch which takes place at Liverpool’s Crowne Plaza Hotel.

A charity auction and raffle will also give guests the chance to edit an edition of the Liverpool Daily Post.

VIP tables are also available and include a Champagne reception, branding opportunities at the event and a premier table position.

VIP guests will also be invited to submit a question to Martin Bayfield.

Helen Gazzola, NSPCC community fundraising manager, said: “The NSPCC are delighted that Martin has agreed to speak at our annual sporting lunch.

“He’s known as a very entertaining speaker with some fantastic tales about his rugby career – which includes 31 international caps, two Grand Slams, the 1995 World Cup and three tests on the British Lions’ tour to New Zealand.”