A NEWLY-formed football club has been given help buying its new strip from a local hospital.

Middleton St George Hospital, which is owned by Affinity Healthcare, has purchased the new strip for Middleton St George Youth Club FC Affinity Healthcare helped with the setting up of the youth club in 2008.

The ward councillor for Middleton St George, Steve York who approached Affinity Healthcare said: "It's great to see the youth club growing and I am thrilled by the great support provided by a local business like Affinity Healthcare.

"It would be impossible for the young people to fund a whole kit themselves so the support given is invaluable."

Hospital director, Linda Stephens, said: "It's fantastic to be able to support young people in this way and in our local community, we are proud to sponsor the team."

Mally Turnbull, the manager and coach of the new team said: "Now the players are kitted out they really look the part and will be proud to represent the young people of Middleton St George."

The team will play league and cup football across the whole of the Tees Valley in the Teesside Junior Football Alliance (TJFA) League.