A LYMPSTONE-based eatery has collected hundreds of replica football shirts to be donated to disadvantaged children in South Africa. The Nutwell Lodge Hotel, on Exmouth Road, has collected nearly 250 shirts thanks to the generosity of its customers. The pr

A LYMPSTONE-based eatery has collected hundreds of replica football shirts to be donated to disadvantaged children in South Africa.

The Nutwell Lodge Hotel, on Exmouth Road, has collected nearly 250 shirts thanks to the generosity of its customers. The project started last February.

As well as the collection, which formed part of a campaign called Project Fair Play, the pub is raising money throughout the upcoming Word Cup to fund sports projects for disadvantaged kids.

Each donated shirt was washed, dried, counted, shrink-wrapped, sealed and packed before heading off to South Africa before the start of the football tournament.

Representatives for the Nutwell Lodge Hotel visited two projects, in Masiphumelele and Red Hill, near Cape Town. Shirts were also distributed in Johannesburg.

Pub manager Val Noble, and Graham Williams, from the Nutwell Lodge, say Project Fair Play embraces the passion for football that exists among locals.

Val said: "This is going to be a huge summer for sport and it's great to know our customers will help bring the spirit of the World Cup to disadvantaged youngsters both here and in South Africa.