YORK City fans are being urged to help return a treasured shirt worn by Keith Walwyn to his family.

The historic jersey, worn by Keith during City's 1983-84 record-breaking promotion campaign, was raffled in 1985 in aid of charity.

All the monies raised were donated to the Killingbeck Hospital, where a heart operation had saved the life of Keith's son, James.

Almost 20 years on from the raffle and the whereabouts of the number nine shirt, signed by the City squad from that season and shown here worn by the striker as he scores against Hartlepool, are a mystery.

But the family, still mourning the loss of lion-hearted Keith, who died in April aged just 47, would like it back so it can be put on display in the family home.

Wearing the top, which was emblazoned with sponsors Hansa across the front, Walwyn banged in 25 goals for City in the 1983-84 season and earned a place in the Division Four representative side.

"Liz, Keith's widow, is willing to pay to get the shirt back, because she is really desperate to see it returned to the family," explained Barry Hood, a lifelong friend of Keith who is trying to help recover the jersey.

"It is very special shirt and with his untimely death the family are trying to recoup as many memories as possible.

"It could be hanging in a hotel just 100 yards from Bootham Crescent. We just don't know.

"But if we can return it to Liz and her sons I think it would mean so much."

Anyone who has any information about the shirt can contact Hood on 01653 697724.

Updated: 09:58 Friday, July 18, 2003