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Great Scot! Boy takes plea to the top

30/12/2004

AN ACCRINGTON youngster has taken a battle to save his impoverished ice hockey team all the way to the top.

Among the Prime Minister's important Cabinet papers and briefing documents could be a letter from Green Haworth Primary School pupil Scott Gregson.

The nine-year-old wrote to Tony Blair in a bid to help steer his team, the Sparrowhawks, away from a funding crisis.

After overhearing mum Jenny and dad Geoff discussing plans to raise funds for the team, the youngster decided to take matters into his own hands.

He told the Prime Minister he loved playing ice hockey and said: "But here is the bad news ... me and my friends may have to stop playing because the club is running out of money because it doesn't get any money from anybody."

Scott, who lives in Limefield Street, told Mr Blair he had saved enough pocket money to take him skating in the Sparrowhawks' rink in Blackburn.

And he added: "If they stop me playing ice hockey I will just have to watch you on television instead of meeting you in person, and I know you would love to skate."

Club treasurer Norman Hetherington praised Scott for his creativity and determination.

"He loves his ice hockey," he said. "We had a fund-raiser last year and he raised the most so we gave him a special trophy. He is a very dynamic little chap who is full of initiative. With his devotion and hard work we should be all right."

Mum Jenny, 30, added: "We're very proud of Scott for trying to raise the club's profile. We have already had a lot of support from people but it would be wonderful if a business would sponsor us. As well as money, we need more players and Scott thought a visit from Tony Blair would really get people interested."

The club is funded entirely by members and parents. Membership is £660 a year, a figure that only just covers training and match costs.

Mr Hetherington said: "There is no outside assistance whatsoever. The scenario is that if the parents can't afford to pay any more or we can't raise additional money the club could fold. That would be a really sad situation."