THE Echo's chief sports reporter Chris Phillips will be facing a number of famous faces during his latest charity challenge this weekend.

Chris is playing padel for 10 consecutive hours at the new Breakpoint venue in Rochford to raise money for mental health care in Southend.

SPONSOR CHRIS' CHARITY CHALLENGE FOR MENTAL HEALTH HERE

And Chris will be joined by a number of well-known faces throughout his long stint on court which will start at 10am on Sunday.

Britain's Got Talent finalist Sonny Green will be in action alongside Southend United legend Steve Tilson, Millwall's record goalscorer Neil Harris, ex Blues players Jack Bridge and Tom Hopper plus the Shrimpers' youth and ladies sides.

Popular social media stars AlexisLOS, RonnieTGall and Cal Cooks will also be on court and Chris is looking forward to the task in hand.

"I know it's going to be difficult but that's part of a fun in a weird way and keeping going in tough times is the message of the day," said Chris.

"It's brilliant that so many people have agreed to come down and play.

"I've teamed up with Southend United's Community Foundation, with support from Andy Man's Club and SECE Mind, to create a mental programme which will be going out to schools and organisations in our area.

"Mental health is a big problem in our community and I want to make as much money as possible to help as many people as we can."

Chris is close to raising £200,000 for charity and is being supported by Break Point Padel in his latest venture.