ROYLE Family star Ralf Little was recovering in hospital today after collapsing during a celebrity football tournament to raise money for a charity.

The Bury-born television star was in a "comfortable condition" in Belfast City Hospital. It is believed he suffered a fit as he was watching a football match. He was due to undergo tests today.

The 23-year-old was sitting up in bed and was due to be examined by doctors, a spokesman for the hospital said.

Ralf was rushed to the hospital's accident and emergency department by ambulance last night after apparently suffering a fit in a VIP area of Belfast's Odyssey arena.

The actor, a former Bolton School pupil who shot to fame as Anthony in the smash TV comedy The Royle Family, had already played in the three-hour five-a-side football tournament at the arena to raise money for children's charity Cinemagic.

It was Northern Ireland's largest ever fundraising celebrity football match.

Stars at the event included Harvey, of So Solid Crew, EastEnders' James Alexandrou and Roy Panthaki, who play Martin Fowler and Ronny Ferreira, and Westlife's Nicky Byrne and Brian McFaddon. It was hosted by Dermot O'Leary.

Stunned onlookers said Ralf collapsed after the tournament ended and suffered the fit in a VIP area.

Staff at the venue called paramedics who gave him first aid at the scene behind screens.

He was also left with minor cuts and bruises.

Ralf is a keen footballer and has played in many charity tournaments.

He has trained as a professional at Bury Football Club and Hartlepool United.

More recently, Ralf joined a squad of celebrities and listeners of BBC Radio Five Live last year to play in a series of charity matches against local sides in Africa.

Ralf has always insisted that playing football is his biggest dream and said recently: "I'd drop acting in a second to play football."

The actor has also starred in TV shows Two Pints of Larger and a Packet of Crisps, and Paradise Heights.

The hospital spokesman was not sure how long Ralf would have to stay in hospital. "He is in a comfortable condition," she added.