A DARLINGTON student is making a renewed appeal for businesses to help him finance a football scholarship in America.

Paul Holloway, 19, has won a scholarship at Heidelberg College, Ohio, but needs to raise £11,000 to finance his accommodation and tuition fees.

His first plea to businesses raised £1,600, but £400 of this was spent on a recent week-long trip to the college, when he stayed on campus and played football with a local team.

Family friend Colin Best, who is helping Paul with his fundraising campaign, said: "I have spoken to his tutor out there and he says that he has to get on the course for the full three years because it will be the making of him.

"It will kick-start his life and now he has been out there and seen what is on offer, he is so keen to get on the scholarship. He really does need all the help he can get."

The course starts in January. In the meantime, Paul has got two jobs in order to try to raise as much money as possible.

Anyone who would like to sponsor Paul can contact Colin Best on (01325) 462545 or 07850 640063.