STREET children in Africa will soon become the unlikely supporters of a North-East football club thanks to the generosity of local fans.

More than 100 lucky youngsters in the world's third poorest country will be sent football shirts by avid Darlington FC supporter Scott Thornberry.

The shirts, old and new, were collected from supporters at Saturday's match against Southend United, after Mr Thornberry posted information about it on his website, www.darlofc.co.uk

He said he was amazed to be handed 121 shirts during the course of the afternoon.

Mr Thornberry, 29, who lives in the Faverdale area of Darlington, decided to collect shirts after hearing of the African children's plight from a friend.

"He went out to teach English to kids in Africa and took with him half a dozen Darlington tops to give to them," he said.

"He then put a picture of the kids in their tops on my website. Soon after, on the message board, people suggested collecting more shirts for the kids and that's how I got involved.

"I put a story up on the site saying that I was collecting shirts on Saturday and the response was fantastic."

Mr Thornberry is now looking for an organisation or charity to help him send the tops to Africa.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Mr Thornberry on 07816 843046.