A junior football ground wrecked by thieves has been repaired with help from a businessman and a former Preston North End star.
When the Red Rose Juniors Football Club in Preston was ransacked and emptied, the future of the club was left hanging in the balance.
Youngsters arrived for training at their ground on Fishwick Bottoms, off London Road, on Sunday June 14 to find the inside had been smashed and all the equipment stolen.
But Glen Mengella, 44, the managing director of Access Flooring Resources Ltd, based in Lea, stepped in to save the day by signing up his brother Brian to help get it back in shape.
One of the key players on the job was former Preston North End striker Lee Ashcroft, who now works for the firm.
Glen, a football fanatic who used to play for Morecambe FC and Kendal Town, said: "We have put in new sinks, toilets, pipework and put all the roof structure back where they came through.
"They had smashed all the light fittings and we have recladded the front. I love football and I am lucky enough to be successful so I try and help people."
Lee, who had two spells with North End, and is currently manager of Kendal Town FC, said: "The vandals did a terrible job but I think it looks fantastic now – there might be the next Sir Tom Finney coming through the ranks and if there is nowhere to play and get changed it is a sad day.
"It is all thanks to Glen and his brother Brian."
Alan Cryer, 38, of Downing Street, who is manager of the Under-12s team, said: "It is good to see people out there are willing to step forward and help – we really appreciate it.
"It is fantastic – there are a lot more decent people out there than what people think."
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