THE manager of a struggling women's football team has had to turn to his native Midlands for cash after a plea to the region's businesses failed to provide a sponsor.

Bill Godward, founder of Chester-le-Street Town Ladies FC, wants to turn the club into a semi-professional outfit. But his pleas for a North-East benefactor fell on deaf ears.

In desperation, Mr Godward turned to his home town of Nottingham for help. Author Keith Brown responded and is supplying 20 tracksuits for the team, plus a new strip for next season.

Mr Godward said: "We have tried all over the North-East to get sponsorship for our teams. I am a Nottingham man so I turned to my home town for help.

"Keith has promised us that, if his books sell well, we will not have to worry about funding any more.

"I have always said I want to turn the team semi-professional and hopefully, this is the first step towards bigger things for us."

The club has five teams that play games across the country. Star players include Aran Embleton, the first girl from the North-East to represent England at full international level.

Its honorary president is former movie star Shirley Eaton - best known for appearing in the James Bond film Goldfinger.

The actress, who meets a grisly end in the film when covered in gold paint, is an old friend of Mr Godward. They met in 1960 when he was working for BBC Radio in Nottingham.

Mr Godward's wife, Pauline, coaches the side and is the only UEFA B badge holder in the North-East.

The pair are so dedicated to their club that they are even donating part of the profits from their latest business venture - a celebrity memorabilia shop.

Signed Collectables, in Shakespeare Street, Newcastle stocks autographed items and signed photos from the likes of Michael Owen, David Beckham, John Wayne and astronaut Neil Armstrong.