LAGER and football...

For players the two should be as far apart as possible at all times.

But for Daisy Hill FC the combination has proved a winning formula - largely thanks to the dedicated efforts of Westhoughton man Joseph Bithell.

Joseph, a supermarket check-out worker at Tesco in Atherton, took it upon himself to collect as many blue ring pulls from special promotional cans of Carling Black Label as he could.

The lager company were running a football equipment offer.

And in his own words, Mr Bithell, aged 50 of Leigh Road, "saw an opportunity to help someone else out."

His opportunity came when he met Bolton Evening News non-league football reporter John Bullen across the check-out.

Joseph approached him with his idea to collect ring pulls to get a local football team a new strip.

And 6,000 ring pulls later, Daisy Hill Under 18s have a brand new kit.

Bitter drinker Joseph, who admits NOT being a football fan, even toured pubs around Westhoughton and Atherton, asking drinkers to donate their ring pulls.

Customers also gave Joseph their left over promotional cans over the check out and a local radio appeal by club manager Adrian White saw ring pulls flood in from across the North-west.

Joseph said: "The more we saved then the better the prize we could sent off for. I walked around to see the pub landlords and they were more than happy to give me them to me.

"I used to speak to customers as they were coming through the check-out. I saw the potential to make enough for a football kit so I asked John if he could suggest somewhere and he said Daisy Hill.

"I am not a football man myself, I just thought it would be good to help someone out."

Manager Adrian White added: "He did it out of the kindness of his heart as he has no links to the club.

"It is not the sort of question you get asked every day - do you want a new football kit? We said you bet!

"He could have got himself a camcorder but he did not so we are very grateful as we needed a kit.

"He is a smashing bloke and likes pint or two himself! He put a lot into it and it was a lovely thing to do. The lads are all thrilled, even though they can't drink themselves!"

However the club are still looking for a sponsor.

Adrian added: "We need a sponsor for the kit. There is a big blank square on the front so we are asking if any local business would like to to help us."

If you can help contact Adrian on 01942 875702.