A YOUNG football team has been given a morale-booster with the gift of smart new strips and training equipment.

The under-11 team at Woodhouse Close Junior School, in Bishop Auckland, has been given the blue and white strips by the BarclayCard scheme.

In addition, the school has also received gifts of water bottles, training cones, footballs and a sports bag.

Headteacher Anne Collingwood said: "Having a smart, good-quality kit makes the children feel more a part of the school and team and proud to represent the school.

"It seems to have given them a lift already. The team won the first match it played in the South-West Durham Schools League."