More than 100 African Aids orphans are to benefit from a gift of old football kit after a spring clear out by York City created a golden opportunity for sports aid.

Dave James, the new Kit Manager at the club, says the donation will make a real difference to the lives of around 100 children in the Mukuni Chiefdom of Zambia.

After taking over the role in June, he was going through the kit store when he found a number of old shirts and training tops, some dating back several seasons with various sponsors and logos on them.

General Manager John McGhee contacted The Butterfly Tree, which undertakes projects in Zambia, supporting children orphaned by HIV and AIDS.

The pandemic remains a huge problem in Southern Africa, where the charity works to provide schooling, clinics, clean water, malaria protection and sanitation for villages within 100 miles of Victoria Falls.

Mr McGhee said: “I was lucky enough to have a holiday to Victoria Falls some years ago and visited Mukuni village.

"I was really impressed with the work The Butterfly Tree was doing with sustainable aid, which was really helping the children and the population as a whole and I have been a keen supporter ever since.”

While there, he spotted children playing football and when Mr James him about the old shirts, which are in good condition but outdated, the decision was made.

"I thought, I know a good place for those to go. I spoke to Jane Kaye-Bailey Chair, of the charity, and they are now on their way to Zambia," he added.

“If these shirts give just a few moments joy to the children and villagers in the area, then that is just terrific."

Ms Kaye Bailey said: “We are delighted with this donation and will distribute the kits amongst the schools’ football teams and also to Mukuni United, who are currently top of their league.

"We are very grateful for John’s continued support and the generosity of York City Football Club.”