A LEYLAND businessman is playing a leading role in booting racism out of football.

The best soccer stars in the business, including Manchester United's David Beckham, Arsenal's Thierry Henry and all of Preston North End's squad will be wearing Stephen Ward's shirts this weekend.

Stephen, 45, of Langdale Road runs a business which supplies the T-shirts bearing the message 'Kick Racism Out of Football'.

The menace of racism in the nation's favourite sport has returned to prominence after disgraceful racist chanting by Slovakian fans at England's black players in the European Championship qualifiers.

Now the campaign to eradicate racism from the terraces of England's football stadia is seen as a top priority.

An avid sports fan, Stephen, has worked with Preston based Respect All Fans Football Initiative (RAFFI) for the past four years and is supporting the current 'Kick Racism Out of Football' campaign.

He has supplied T-shirts for the campaign which have been worn by players from all 92 Premiership and Nationwide Football League clubs.

Stephen said: "I'm an Everton fan. I love sports and have played football all my life. I've come across lots of different people of all colours and creeds and got on famously with them.

"I wish everyone could carry that bond over into our society."

The father-of-two set up his business Ad-Options in 1985 with his wife Ann, which they continue to run from their home.

As the business went from strength to strength they set up a website which has provided the shirts bearing the 'Kick Racism Out Of Football' message.

He is no stranger to campaigning for the cause and has joined members of RAFFI distributing leaflets at Preston North End's Deepdale stadium.

Stephen will be returning to the Lilywhite's home turf on Saturday for the match against Reading.

John Booth, media manager for PNE said: "We have always been at the forefront of supporting the 'Kick Racism Out of Football Campaign' and we even have our own dedicated officer to stamp racism out.

"We are very happy to wear Stephen's shirts."

PNE players will be wearing the T-shirts on Saturday and who knows, maybe even Deepdale Duck will be sporting one.