A SPORTS mad schoolboy has been left with permanent eye damage after a trip to collect conkers went badly wrong.

Last night, 12-year-old Adam Farn's father Michael, speaking from their home in Cheviot Place, Peterlee, revealed that the accident had left his son's promising football career in tatters.

On September 30, Adam and a school pal visited Castle Eden Dene on a conker hunts.

A family, also looking for conkers, hurled a stick into a tree, hitting Adam in the face.

Adam was taken to hospital in Hartlepool, and transferred to Sunderland eye infirmary, where tests revealed permanent eye damage.

His father said: "He can't play football again because the slightest knock would result in him losing his sight.''

Michael played for Shotton Hall Comprehensive School and Peterlee youth team.

Police want to speak to the family involved in the incident, although stress there is nothing to suggest criminal intent.