A YOUTH football club hit by theft has received a boost from a car dealership.

Kit, footballs, a first aid kit and even goal posts were stolen from a van used by Billingham side Oakdene FC the night before a match.

Steve Chisholm, general sales manager with Stockton Mercedes-Benz dealership Rycroft was driving to a Middlesbrough match when he heard about Oakdene's misfortune.

He immediately offered his help and, as part of the company's community involvement programme, has supplied strips for the under-ten and under-14 teams.

Oakdene chairman Wayne Cook said he was amazed with Rycroft's response to his club's plight and added that the parents of his players had also rallied round.

"Both teams now have new kits and I cannot thank everyone enough. We are well on the way to a full recovery and can look forward to next season with confidence," he said.

Century Radio has also helped out with a dozen footballs.