THE friendship between one of the biggest names in professional football and his former barber has helped bring support for disadvantaged young people on Teesside.

Former Middlesbrough player Graeme Souness, now manager of Worthington Cup winners Blackburn Rovers, was the star attraction at a sportsman's dinner that raised more than £9,000 for the inner city youth charity, Fairbridge Teesside.

The event, held at the Tall Trees hotel, in Yarm, was organised by Fairbridge manager Mike Horsley, who befriended Souness when he arrived on Teesside in the 1970s. Souness went on to play for Liverpool and Rangers, then moved into management with Liverpool, Rangers, Benfica, Gallatasaray, Torino, Southampton and, now, Blackburn.

The evening was attended by more than 300 people and raised more than double the amount the charity had hoped for.

Teesside is one of 12 of the UK's most disadvantaged areas where Fairbridge works to tackle youth unemployment, juvenile crime, drug addiction and homelessness by offering young people a combination of personal support and challenging activities.

Mr Horsley said: "In effect, £9,000 equates to Fairbridge being able to take 20 marginalised young people under its wing.

"Typically, these people will be aged over 14 and could continue to receive our support until they are 25.

"Specifically, we hope to help young people on Teesside who find themselves in the role of carer for a family member, and who may be missing out on education opportunities and social development."

For further information about the Fairbridge charity, call (01642) 327583.