GENEROUS young footballers have handed over a food parcel worth hundreds of pounds to help families in need this Christmas.

All sixteen Darlington Spraire Lads and Lasses squads donated to the all-important collection before it was delivered to the Salvation Army as part of a Christmas foodbank appeal.

Donations, which also included toiletries and £600 worth of Marks and Spencer food vouchers, were dropped off by the young athletes at training sessions held at Hummersknott Academy.

Dave Scott, the Spraire club secretary, said: “We’re an FA Charter Standard Community Club and provide football for boys and girls of all ages and abilities.

“We get a lot of support from the community by way of sponsorship from local businesses and it’s great to be able to give something back.”

Each player across all Spraire Lads and Lasses teams donated at least one item to the cause in a bid to help as many Darlington families as possible throughout December.

The town’s Salvation Army Major Colin Bradshaw said the donation will last for up to three weeks during the busy festive period.

For more information on the club, visit dslfootball.co.uk