YOUNG footballers have raised more than £1,000 for a community sports scheme in Darlington by taking part in a penalty shoot-out contest.

Pupils from Heathfield Primary School were sponsored to take penalty kicks against Darlington Football Club mascot Mr Q.

Family and friends sponsored the children to take their shots, eventually raising a total of £2,200, which will be split between the school and the Football in the Community scheme.

About 70 youngsters, who raised more than £20 each, received football signed by Darlington Football Club players yesterday.

The school's PE co-ordinator, Keith McKenzie, said: "This is the most that any school has raised for the scheme so far."