A HOOK schoolboy hopes to organise a football match to honour one of the most surreal episodes of the First World War.

Thomas Affleck-Cruise, 10, wants to recreate the “Christmas truce” football match that took place between British and German soldiers on Christmas Day 1914.

The original game, played in No Man’s Land, was a unique event on the Western Front – high-ranking officers took steps to make sure such truces never happened again.

Troops from both sides put down their weapons and came together to play football, take photographs and exchange gifts.

Thomas, a pupil at Hook Junior School, told The Gazette: “I’m doing this because it’s the centenary of the First World War, and every year I do something for charity, so I thought I would do this.

“People may just think it’s a football match but it’s to remember what actually happened and the people who lost their lives.”

The match day in Hook will take place on the football pitches at Hartletts Park from 11am to 3.30pm on Sunday, December 21.

A series of matches, for youngsters aged between eight and 18, will raise money for Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion.

His father Tom Cruise, of New Road, Hook, said Thomas has organised other charity events recently, such as sponsored walks and pyjama parties.

He said: “Every year, he has tried to do something. He just thought it was the anniversary and it would be nice to do something, and it’s all kicked off from there.”

Tesco in Hook has pledged to provide British and German food for the day, while Hook United Youth Football Club has agreed to help organise the game.

Names of those who want to play will be picked out of a hat to see if they play for the British or the Germans.

To take part, call 07971 095 507 or 01256 767216, or email tommy 888boy@yahoo. co.uk or amanda affleck@ aol.com.