A SCHOOL football team with a winning streak has scored again with a sponsorship boost from an unusual quarter - the players' favourite chippy.

The Chip Pan Alley answered a plea for help by offering to buy the strips for the under-13 team at Greencroft School, Annfield Plain, near Stanley, County Durham.

And wearing their new colours for the first time inspired them to beat the other team - taking them to the quarter-finals of the County Durham Cup.

Teacher and team coach Liam Rochford said: "Last season, the team won the Derwentside League as well as the Derwentside Cup, which are the two main local competitions.

"I thought that as a little reward for their efforts I would get them strips, so wrote to all the local businesses asking for help."

Within a day, Malcolm Short, of the Chip Pan Alley, said his shop would buy a full strip.

Mr Rochford said: "The chippy is quite popular with the children and the owner, who is a keen football fan himself, thought he would like to give something back.

"The players were delighted."

Mr Rochford said Mr Short had attended the last two matches.

He added: "The first time they wore the strip in a game against St Robert's from Washington, they won 2-1, taking them to the quarter- finals of the County Durham Cup.

"So far, they have won four out of four matches in the Derwentside League."

Mr Rochford said Catchgate Chop Suey had sent the team a cheque of £50. The cash will be used to purchase a further four substitute strips, as well as two match balls