SOME of the biggest names in showbiz and sport descended on a West Oxfordshire celebrity hangout for a fundraising cricket match this weekend.

Oxfordshire's own Sam Mendes, the Oscar-winning film director who helmed the last two blockbuster James Bond movies, captained a Soho Farmhouse XI in a 20-over match against Great & Little Tew in aid of the churches at Great Tew, Little Tew and Heythrop.

England rugby captain Dylan Hartley, his England and Northampton team-mate Courtney Lawes, and former England cricketer Nick Compton donned the whites for the Soho Farmhouse - the 100-acre estate and private members' club in Great Tew, near Chipping Norton, popular with the likes of David and Victoria Beckham, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

For Mr Mendes, it was a labour of love on two counts. The former Magdalen College School pupil is a talented cricketer, regularly representing Oxfordshire over-50s.

"I'm their youth policy," he joked.

He added: "It's been a lovely day. I was really impressed with Nick Compton, Courtney Lawes and Dylan Hartley coming out to support us. Dylan had never bowled before and he bowled four overs.

"The match came about through my friends at Soho Farmhouse.

"I got married at Great Tew Church so it's a cause close to my heart."

As for Mr Hartley, the gentle pace of cricket made a change from the cut and thrust of international rugby.

"This was my first ever game of cricket," he admitted. "I might do it again for charity but I don't think I'll be spending my Sundays playing it."

The hooker, who starred in Northampton's win over Harlequins on Friday, was not prevented from playing in the charity match.

He said: "I've done no more than walk today. It's 'active recovery'."

Up to 500 people came to watch, with organisers hoping the event would raise between £5,000-£10,000 for the churches.

One of the organisers, Clair Freeman said: "It was a really good turnout.

"All of the churches will benefit - the buildings are in different states of disrepair. We want to say to people 'do you want to save it'? And it's great to have Soho House linking up with the local community."

Also helping boost the fundraising total were horse cart rides, teas, cakes, and a silent auction of items including memorabilia from the last Bond film, Spectre - Daniel Craig's penultimate outing in the role.

But don't expect Mr Mendes to shed any light on whether Idris Elba, Tom Hardy or a complete outsider will take over Craig's licence to kill after the next film.

"I'm as in the dark as you are," he said.