Hollywood star Vinnie Jones arrived hours after a celebrity golf tournament in Sussex teed off because he was caught up in World Cup fever.

The former Wimbledon footballer was expected to help caddy at a charity match to help raise funds for Cancer Research UK.

But Vinnie could not tear himself away from the vital Ireland v Saudi Arabia match yesterday lunchtime.

The Irish clinched themselves a place in the second phase after winning the game 2-0.

Vinnie, star of the films Snatch and Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels, hot-footed it to the golf event after the match to help raise £40,000.

He joined stars such as pundit Jimmy Hill and former England rugby player Brian Moore at the event at Mannings Heath Golf Club near Horsham.

Diana Stenning, Cancer Research UK community fund-raiser, said: "Events like this can make a difference by providing vital funding."