VILLAGERS have rallied to support a young sportsman's development.

Ten-year-old Bradley Smith's dedication to a host of sports, inspired villagers in Kirk Merrington, near Spennymoor, to raise money to buy him equipment.

Customers and staff at The Half Moon pub in the village, and the senior village football team, raised enough money to buy a martial arts suit for the enthusiastic youngster.

Bradley, who has a black belt in tae kwondo, is also a member of Spennymoor Boxing Academy, and plays football for Kirk Merrington Primary School and the village's junior team.

He was thrilled with the sponsorship, and said: "It was very nice of them all to sponsor me for my hard work. I enjoy tae kwondo, boxing and football and train a lot. I am grateful they helped me get a new kit with my name on."

One of the sponsors, Mel Craddock, said: "We are pleased to help out where we can.

"He is a cracking lad who is dedicated to all his sports. He is very polite, talented and hard-working, and we want to support people in the village when they do well."