A UNIQUE football shirt personalised by a world-renowned artist is being sold for charity.

The Middlesbrough FC home shirt, which is also signed by the team, has been decorated by Mackenzie Thorpe.

His doodle includes the Tees Transporter Bridge, two players and several spectators.

It will be sold to raise money for the Finlay Cooper Fund, which has already donated more than £350,000 to children's causes including hospices, a diabetes trust and cancer wards.

Colin Cooper, who founded the charity with his wife Julie after their son died from choking, said: “Earlier this year, The Finlay Cooper Fund was invited to The Houses of Parliament - we were honoured to be there.

"We invited Mackenzie to attend alongside us. Not only did he come without hesitation, but he also gave an inspired speech about his love of Teesside, the people and his beloved 'Boro'.

“The 'Boro' shirt that Mackenzie has sketched on is not only a fantastic piece of art, but an amazing memento for anyone who loves Teesside and 'The Boro'.

"On behalf of all of us at The Finlay Cooper Fund, we thank Mackenzie for his continuing support for our charity.”

Mr Thorpe, whose Remembrance artwork raised £13,000 for Help for Heroes two weeks ago, said: “Colin and Julie Cooper suffered an incredibly sad loss and have been tireless in their fundraising.

“This shirt is a complete one-off and, for Boro fans and art lovers alike, will be a great piece of memorabilia.

"It is not often that a football shirt is seen as a work of art but I hope that the drawings will attract lots of attention and raise a good amount of money for a fantastic charity.”

The shirt is also signed by pupils from Caedmon Primary School in Grangetown.

For more information or for bids, with a reserve of £500, contact wendy@mackenziethorpe.com. The closing date is midnight on Sunday, January 4.