YOUNG football fans are celebrating a National Lottery windfall which has helped to set up their junior club.

Coundon, near Bishop Auckland, has never been lacking in football talent.

The home of former Newcastle player Alan Shoulder produces many keen players, and in November last year a junior team was formed.

But with no footballs, goal posts or team strip the club was facing an uphill battle, until Saturday, when club chairman Harry Russell received a £3,300 grant to fund Coundon and Leeholme Juniors Football Club.

The money, from the National Lottery's Awards for All fund, will pay for equipment and training sessions at the newly refurbished Leeholme Recreation Complex.

Mr Russell said: "This is a great deal of money.

"It will put the club on a sound financial footing. It will pay for football strips, goal posts, travelling expenses, referees' fees, the list is endless. We would like to thank Dennis Nattrass, from Wear Valley District Council, for his invaluable help and interest shown since our formation in November.

"We have worked very hard to set up this project and to put together our grant application. Now we have got the money, it is time for the real work to begin."

Training starts on June 19, at Leeholme Recreation Ground, at 7pm. For details call Mr Russell on (01388) 663364.