A County Durham football club has received funding to help young people in the local area.

Shildon AFC has been given the money by the Hays Travel Foundation to help young people thrive in sport, health, the arts, and education.

Funding will help the club deliver projects for the next two years.

David Dent, chairman of Shildon AFC, said: "We’re a real community club and want to do as much off the pitch as we do on the field.

"We’re committed to working with and supporting youngsters and their families in the local area and this funding will ensure we can deliver even more social impact and make even more of a difference.

"We would like to say a massive thank you to The Hays Travel Foundation for the funding we have received."

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The cash injection will help the Northern League club’s charitable arm continue to run its range of schemes that support youngsters in the local community, including football, food, and fun, which brings children together to ensure they’re fit and fed during school holidays.

It also helps cement the future of community days and events at the football club, as well as use of its community garden for local schools hosting activities and PE lessons.

Toni Gibson, head of sales operations and community initiatives at Hays Travel, said: "We are thrilled that Shildon AFC CIC chose to connect with us at The Hays Travel Foundation."