VILLAGERS are turning to some of the country's top football clubs in their efforts to build a sports pavilion.

The sports pavilion association at Thornton-le-Dale, near Pickering, North Yorkshire, has seen its long-running campaign for the facility put on hold because of lack of funds.

The group needs to raise about £100,000 to provide the pavilion, but so far has only collected £21,000.

Now, members are hoping football clubs will come to their aid with shirts and other items for an auction.

Association chairman, Colin Pickering, said a letter-writing campaign had already met with some success, with support coming from Manchester City boss Kevin Keegan.

"We have received a reply from Kevin Keegan and he says in his letter he fully supports the project," he said.

"Hopefully, we'll get a few items like signed balls and shirts from the clubs, which we will be able to auction off to raise money for the pavilion.