BIDS are invited for a piece of English footballing history to help children from Chernobyl enjoy a holiday in the North-East.

Herrington Burn YMCA, Houghton-le-Spring, is hosting a four-week break for children from the town devastated by the nuclear power plant disaster in 1986.

But they need to raise £7,000 for travel costs and to provide some clothing for the children.

Houghton and Washington East MP Fraser Kemp nominated the group to receive one of the last pieces of turf from Wembley, which is due to be demolished to make way for a new stadium.

The turf will now be sold to the highest bidder to help the fund-raising effort.

Kie Cummings, YMCA leader, said offers should be posted to Wembley Turf, YMCA, Herrington Burn, Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne and Wear, DH4 4JW. The closing date is Thursday, August 24.