Top footballers put on the style

Cotsford junior football team members in their new football strips and with Box Clever's Micky Shaw, Laim Dineen, tommy Miller and Glenn Brown

Kind-hearted Liam Dineen, of Horden’s Box Clever Alternative Education, has donated a new team kit to Cotsford Junior School’s football team.

Liam handed over the snazzy navy and sky blue strip to the school, based in Horden’s Third Street, after hearing they were looking for a sponsor.

The Year 5/6 team, which is coached by former Pools star Brian Honour, lifted a haul of silverware last season.

They were champions of the Peterlee District Primary Schools Football League, never conceding a goal all season, and also lifted the Small Schools Cup and the George Wilson Cup.

Liam, 41, has worked with the school previously on National PE Days and he used to attend the school as a boy.

He was even captain of the team in 1980, and Box Clever staff member Glenn Brown also played for the team in 1975, so they were delighted to be able to help.

Liam said: “The lads really look the part and hopefully they will have even more success this season. “I’m really proud to be able to support such an exceptional team.”

Hartlepool United star Tommy Miller works with Box Clever, which offers alternative education to young people across County Durham aged 13 to 16 who are not in mainstream education, on Wednesdays.

School headteacher Beverley Jones said: “We are really grateful to Liam and the staff at Box Clever. The boys have already played a couple of games and they do look exceptionally smart.”