A Lowestoft-based church football academy has launched an initiative designed to encourage sports participation among the less fortunate.

Message on the Ball (MOTB) academy, which was set up by London Road Baptist Church, is asking the public to donate their unwanted sports shoes to the Reboot initiative, which will distribute them among young people in need.

A collection box will be on display at Intu Chapelfield for the next four weeks, starting in the St. Stephen's area before moving outside Sports Direct a fortnight later.

Rev Emily Twigg, youth minister at London Road Baptist Church, said: 'Young people often cannot afford suitable footwear and this scheme will enable unwanted shoes to be given back to the community. We want to make sure that everyone is able to participate, whatever their background.'

If you know someone deserving of a pair of shoes from the collection box, contact Rev Emily Twigg on 01502 514091.