A FORMER Darlington footballer will have his dream come true when he visits his former club for the first time in years.

John Blythe, 77, is the first person to benefit from a scheme run by the Newton Aycliffe branch of Help the Aged, called "Making Dreams Come True".

The charity aims to grant the wish of a pensioner each month.

Mr Blythe, of Woodham, Newton Aycliffe, played at centre-half for Darlington in the late 1940s, in the days when players were paid £9 a week. He remembers his playing days at Feethams with great fondness.

He said: "We had some great nights and great days there, and I've got some good memories. Because of the war we used to have some first division players.

"We used to do our training around the cricket field, and even ended up swimming in the River Skerne sometimes."

Mr Blythe has been unable to attend any games in recent years because he spends much of his time looking after his wife, Freda, who has Alzheimer's disease.

When Help the Aged contacted club chairman George Reynolds, he had no hesitation in offering complimentary tickets for next Tuesday's game against Leyton Orient.

Club spokesman Luke Raine said: "It will be a real pleasure to have him here to remember what he did for the club. Anyone connected with the club will always be welcome."

Any pensioner in the County Durham area who has a dream they want to come true can write to: Peter Beaty at 5 Ainsty Hunt, The Chase, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 7PH.