A NINE-YEAR-OLD with a heart "as big as any community" has won Player of the Month at a football club for her charity work through Covid.

Daisy Simpson won Darlington Football Club's Player of the Month for December after a year filled with charity work, supporting Darlington through the pandemic.

Daisy, who plays for the DFC U10 girls team, has been fundraising since the first national lockdown in March, to help children and others who are most in need.

In November, Daisy launched a toy and selection box appeal and was able to donate over 350 gifts to the Family Help Refuge, Community Centres and a local church.

Following the free school meals debate, she also put together food bags for children in need.

Alun Armstrong, Darlington FC manager said: “It’s great to see Daisy thinking of others before herself and on behalf of the players and management staff we thank Daisy for her wonderful work and I’m very pleased Daisy has got this accolade."

Club chief executive David Johnston said: "The Club applauds the magnificent work that Daisy has done for the benefit of others this year and she will be an inspiration to our whole community. Well done Daisy and thank you for everything you’ve done."