A GROUP of Craven footballers was amongst more than 400 people in the audience of a special anniversary show of Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway.

24 members of charity football club Craven For Change travelled down to London to Television Centre for the first show of the 20th series, that first went out in 2002 and is presented by Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly.

Every single member of the audience had been invited to the celebratory show because of their good work or fundraising for charities, which added up to more than £40 million, said the delighted presenters.

And, as a thank-you, every one in the audience, which included a group of foster carers, received a 'takeaway getaway' - a ticket to a week's all inclusive holiday in destinations including Spain, Turkey, Cape Verde, Dominican Republic and Mexico.

The show featured comedian and actor Stephen Merchant, as guest announcer, and singer-songwriter Becky Hill. It also included Simon Cowell, who had been caught out twice by Ant and Dec, including during an episode one of his American  talent shows,  when Ant and Dec pretended to be part of an act.

There was also a challenge for Ant and Dec that involved them climbing up two towers specially put up outside the studio.

Since being set up in 2022, Craven For Change FC has raised more than £10,000 for 12 different charities. Set up by a group of friends, the aim was to get fit and active, to play football and at the same time raise money for good causes.

Kalvin Singh, one of the club's co-founders, said it had been exciting day in London with 24 squad members and helpers setting off early for the live evening show, and with the totally unexpected gift of a free holiday.

"We were able to enter the studio at 5.45pm to see what goes on behind the scenes and what makes the show a real success, followed by the show starting at 7pm.

"It was such a surreal experience, watching the show live in the studio meeting the likes of Ant and Dec, Simon Cowell, Becky Hill and Steven Merchant, and being recognised for the hard work we put in by being given a free holiday.

"Our ethos is to raise awareness and funds for different charities to make a difference, not expecting any official reward."

The 24 now have the difficult task of picking a destination for where they will spend their free holiday.