YOUNG footballers are hoping a strip donated by a local company will be the key to success.

The 12 and 13-year-olds, who play for The Nook, in South Shields' seven-a-side Temple Park Senior League, have been given a red kit by family pork butchers Dicksons, whose name they have taken on in recognition of the sponsorship.

Karen Weaver, the manager and coach of the team, said: "We finished mid-table last season, which was a good performance, but this year with our new strip we hope to do even better.

"When I started the team three years ago the players were all from the same street, the High Road, but since then we have expanded our catchment area.

"We are, however, still basically a street team and without sponsorship we might not survive.