AN AUCTION to raise cash for the paralysed son of a former Burnley FC player is being held tonight with the Golden Boot of a Clarets legend as star lot'.

Andy Payton has dusted off the prestigious Second Division Golden Boot award he won in 2000 after 27 goals in all competitions for the club, to help 22-year-old Johnny Brennan.

Johnny, of Beverley Road, Blacko, has been recovering in the spinal injuries unit at Southport Hospital since March last year.

He suffered serious head and spinal injuries when the car in which he was travelling flipped and rolled over by Junction 11 of the M65. He is paralysed from the chest down.

Andy said he was approached by the Ex-Clarets in Sport Group to donate an item of memorabilia to help Johnny's cause.

The former Gawthorpe High School pupil is hoping it will fetch a significant sum to help adapt Johnny's home to make it wheelchair-friendly.

The retired striker, 38, said: "I remember watching Johnny's dad when I was very young and started going to the Turf, so I wanted to help.

"What this lad has gone through is beyond belief really, so if it goes towards helping adapt his home to make life better for him then it's worth it."

He is hoping Burnley FC will buy it to help preserve the club's history.

Johnny was a promising footballer who had trials for Burnley.

His parents Ian, who played for the Clarets in the 1970s, and Jean have visited the hospital every day.

Former Liverpool, Celtic and Scotland legend Kenny Dalglish has also been at his bedside.

Ian said: "The Golden Boot donation is fantastic. We are very grateful to Andy for being so generous."

Lifelong Burnley supporter Alastair Campbell has donated a commemorative All Blacks rugby shirt.

Tickets for the event, at Turf Moor, are £25.

Telephone bids will be accepted for anyone not able to make it on the night by contacting Veronica on 07974 310099.