A MOTOR dealer has turned Santa for a money-strapped football team.

Coulby Newham's under-14s team were looking for a sponsor to fund a new strip when Jennings Ford, in Stockton, stepped in.

The new strips are a welcome boost to the team, which is in division three of the Teesside Junior Football Alliance, and allows them to concentrate on raising funds to build an £800,000 clubhouse.

"Not having to fund the strips ourselves has enabled us to focus on raising essential funds which will contribute towards the proposed new clubhouse," said Charlie Johns, team manager.

The clubhouse will have changing rooms, a teaching room and a social area for the youngsters.

To date, the club has raised £10,000 through fundraising activities.

Mr Johns said: "The new strips have been the perfect tonic for the lads, who are all over the moon. Despite having only won two games this season, the strips have certainly boosted morale and improved overall performance."

Coulby Newham Football Club has 14 teams, with boys aged between seven and 17 from North Ormesby, Acklam, Lingfield Farm and Hemlington. They compete in various leagues each week.

Commenting on the sponsorship, Steven Flack, sales manager at Jennings Ford, said: "As a company heavily involved in the local community, we were delighted to assist the team and would like to wish them every success in the future."