THIRTY years of hurt was on the road to recovery this week as the Citizen stepped in to help rally the young footy heroes of Skerton. Just before we went to press, youngsters from Skerton were lacing up their boots for a memorable soccer match against local bobbies at Salt Ayre. And to help the lads keep abreast of the beautiful game the Citizen has decided to equip the Skerton Community Association with five footballs signed by the Dolly Blues.

Speaking before the match Citizen editor Greg Morgan (a long-suffering Manchester City fan), said: "It's great to see the community coming together for something everyone enjoys. My only fear is that everyone will miss the England game against Georgia!"

More than 50 youngsters from the Vale, Beaumont and Skerton estates were expected to take part in Wednesday's game.

Myra Rowett, secretary of the Skerton Community Association, said so many youngsters had been interested in the football match that they also planned to build up a permanent team for local youths.

She said: "It's been great to see everyone so enthusiastic. We need to keep the momentum up and keep everyone interested. We're even talking about setting up an ice skating trip for the youngsters sometime in the next few weeks."

Watch out for match up date in next week's Citizen.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.