A POTENTIAL North-East football star is appealing for help so he can take up a once-in-a-lifetime chance to study in America.

Paul Holloway, 19, has been offered a football scholarship at Heidelberg College, in Ohio, but needs to raise £11,000 to pay for tuition fees and accommodation.

The Darlington student, who has a disabled father and a sister with cerebral palsy, is hoping to raise some of the cash with a summer job sorting mail, but is also asking for donations.

He said: "Anything will help and I would be really grateful for any donation, however small.

"I've got a full-time summer job and I intend to get a weekend job, plus I'll work once I get to America to pay my way. This is an amazing opportunity for me and I'm desperate to go.

"I'll have a degree at the end of it and a guaranteed job."

His mother, Christine, 38, of Wentworth Way, Branksome, said: "He's had a really hard life and deserves a break. He helped bring up his sister Lyndsey when he should have been out playing.

"I can't work because I look after his dad so we're on benefits. For him not to be able to go because of the money when he's got this talent would be terrible."

The teenager, who played for Crook Town in the Northern League, attended Longfield School before studying for a Btec in sports performance and excellence at Darlington Football Academy.

Dave Cowling, from the academy, said: "He is a good lad and he is worked hard so I hope he can sort himself out. He deserves to go."

Anyone who would like to help can contact reporter Sam Strangeways on (01325) 505022.