A FOOTBALL team stripped of their kit just days before a big match were celebrating this week after it was returned to them - thanks to the Observer.

Footy-mad dad Stephen Barton, of Water Street, Accrington, appealed in last week's paper for the safe return of the £425 Enfield FC kit after it had been stolen from his car.

He asked Observer readers to help track down the brand-new strip after he woke up last Tuesday morning to find his car had been broken into.

Thieves had stolen a satellite navigation system worth £400 along with the strip.

The team, who play in the East Lancashire League First Division, replaced the kit at the start of the season and had only worn the red and blue striped strip three times before it was snatched.

But luckily a sharp-eyed Observer reader spotted the kit dumped near the railway line near Belgarth Road, Accrington, last Friday and contacted police.

Stephen, who has two teenage children and is assistant manager of the reserve team, said: "I am overjoyed that we've all got our kit back.

"We would just like to thank the lady who returned it. We got it back on Friday and were able to wash it and wear it in time for our game against Colne on Saturday."

Despite only managing a 1-1 draw at the weekend, the team are hoping their lucky kit will lead them to victory in future games.

Stephen added: "It's just a shame my satellite navigation unit hasn't been found as well. But you can't have everything, this is more important."