A VOLUNTARY worker from the Ribble Valley is to make an emotional trip to West Africa to see how Burnley FC has helped children start a new life.

The Clarets donated football strips to help former child soldiers in Liberia regain their lost childhood at the end of a 14-year long civil war.

The famous claret and blue strip has been sported on the war-torn streets as part of a demobilisation and reintegration programme supported by the Catholic aid agency CAFOD.

The ambitious programme aims to counsel and then reunite the former child soldiers with their families.

A central part of the programme is football, which the charity says helps alleviate depression.

It teaches the children how to work as a team preparing them for life back in their home communities.

Burnley FC scout and CAFOD volunteer Fred Uttley, who lives in Simonstone, helped organise the donation of the strips.

He will travel to Liberia next week to see how the strips and individual donations from football fans in the Burnley and Liverpool areas are being put to good use.

The 59-year-old plumber, who lives in Simonstone Lane with his wife Ann, said: "There are around 6,000 children in Liberia who have known nothing apart from war.

"It will be an emotional journey and I am sure I will hear some harrowing tales but I am looking forward to seeing how the programme has helped these youngsters and bringing back some positive stories as well."

Anne-Marie Coppock, CAFOD North West Regional Assistant, added: "Like Burnley children, Liberian children have a real passion for football.

"The game is an excellent way to teach children and young people how to work together constructively at the same time as having fun."

Fighting between the government forces and rebel groups ceased in August when former president Charles Taylor was sent into exile.