FOOTBALL fans in York were treated to an appearance from ex-Manchester United and 1966 England World Cup winner Nobby Stiles at their annual dinner.

Stiles was the star guest at the Poppleton Junior Football Club's dinner at York Racecourse to raise money for the club.

Among the items going under the hammer was an England football shirt signed by Manchester United and England icon David Beckham.

The funds from the second sportsmen's dinner - just short of £10,000 - will go towards the Millfield Lane ground which the club is buying for £30,000.

The club's young players are due to start kicking the ball on the ground for the new season in September.

Club chairman Phil Richardson said: "It was wonderful to have such an England legend with us.

"We have worked hard to get this new ten-acre site for the club and the City of York Council has just given us the green light to buy the land.

"These are exciting times - we are hoping to be on the ground next month and get it turfed and seeded for next season."

The club is also due to be awarded the Duke of York Initiative, which is marking non-profit organisations for their hard work and commitment, in May.

Updated: 12:29 Thursday, March 07, 2002