A FORMER Largs Thistle star has backed a campaign to help a blind veteran see again.

News columnist George Wall recently found his old 'Theesel' jerseys, sponsored by Fryfare and The Big Apple, dating back to when Thistle won the West of Scotland and Scottish Cups.

He wanted to use them to help Largs man John Hutchinson, who recently trialled a pair of hi-tech specs developed by university boffins and needs £2,500 for his own set.

George contacted memorabilia collector Graeme Swanson, who was thrilled to get his hands on the historic shirts from the club's 1990s golden era.

Knowing fan Graeme was a keen collector of Thistle memorabilia, George got in touch with him, and offered the shirts in return for a donation to the Royal British Legion Largs branch fund set up for John.

Graeme, who lives in Edinburgh, but travels regularly to home and away games to support 'Theesel', was delighted to receive the original club jerseys, delivered to him by News reporter Calum Corral.

Graeme said: "George very kindly chose my name without pulling it out of a hat. He has given me some memorabilia before including some old photographs as he knows I have a man-cave in my house which is gold and black everywhere.

"He very kindly got in touch with me and asked me would my wife allow me to have them.

"I said I am the boss in my house - sometimes - so it was perfect!"

Graeme, who launched the Largs Thistle East of Scotland supporters' club, said he was delighted to donate to help 90-year-old John get his state of the art glasses.

Graeme said: "The target is to raise £1,500, and I will put £100 into that. I think the really good thing is that we are highlighting this charity and the whole community are buying into it. You are hearing businesses like The Fish Works running raffles etc, and it has all been stimulated by George Wall who has helped to organise a charity match, and the Largs and Millport Weekly News with all the recent coverage."

Asked whether he would play in the forthcoming football fundraiser at Barrfields Park on Friday May 18 between Thistle fans and Scotland veterans, Graeme, 56, said: "I enjoyed my last time playing at Barrfields in a charity match but 10 minutes was enough for me! I think it will be a cameo appearance on the touchline this time round."

Donations for the The Royal British Legion Largs branch fund for John's glasses can be made by cheque or cash to: Largs Branch RBLS (Glasses) post or dropped through letterbox to The Secretary Largs Branch RBLS, 17 Haco Street, Largs , KA30 9BE.