A MAN who campaigned to raise the profile of the world's first black professional footballer has 'linked' history with an invitation from Usain Bolt.

Shaun Campbell, from Darlington, set up the Arthur Wharton Foundation and campaigned to honour Wharton with a 16ft bronze statue at St George's Park, in Burton-Upon-Trent.

Mr Campbell, who supported Darlington FC during its financial problems in 2012, said the meeting with Bolt, who is widely considered to be the greatest sprinter of all time, had been years in the making, and on Saturday, the pair finally met up. 

Mr Campbell said: "I have been wanting to meet Usain because he is the world record holder and champion, and so was Arthur Wharton, who ran for Darlington."

Mr Wharton was born in 1865 in Ghana and started as an amateur playing for Darlington FC.

Mr Campbell said: "When Usain Bolt had a stint as a professional footballer, he had a synergy with Arthur - they shared a similar history.

"I was able to tell him the full story of Arthur and Bolt absolutely got it. Being able to expand Arthur's story and the campaign, it was all about 'achieving in the face of adversity'."

The Northern Echo: Usain Bolt held the very trophy cup that was awarded to Arthur WhartonUsain Bolt held the very trophy cup that was awarded to Arthur Wharton

The meeting with Bolt took place at the Chelsea Harbour Hotel in London.

The last time Mr Campbell had come close to meeting Bolt was during Mr Campbell's role as an Olympic torch bearer at the London 2012 Games.

Mr Campbell said he wanted to share Wharton's story with the sprinter, but did not get the chance at the Games.

He said: "It was a few years after the Olympics that I started touching base with Usain again. He said he was coming to the UK for the Soccer Aid, we arranged to meet up.

"We had a very long conversation and by the end of it he knew all about Arthur Wharton, Darlington."

At the meeting, Mr Campbell said he was able to share Mr Wharton's achievements with other sporting stars. 

The Northern Echo: Shaun Campbell also met Eric CantonaShaun Campbell also met Eric Cantona

He added: "I had a chat with Harry Redknapp and Eric Cantona, who both now know about Arthur Wharton."