A CARING couple who run a youth football team in Paisley are appealing for donations to help kit out young Syrian refugees.

Lorna Cooper and her partner John Kinnaird, of the St Peter’s 2005 Red team, were contacted by children’s charity Barnardo’s in the hope some Syrian boys living locally could take part.

The couple agreed to welcome seven guests at one of their training sessions but quickly realised the youngsters weren’t kitted out with the appropriate football gear.

That sparked an online appeal to gather donations in order to provide them with the likes of boots and shin-guards.

Since then, Lorna and John have been touched by the overwhelming response from local people.

Lorna said: “These boys have had a real hard time in the last few years and now they are here and having to learn a whole new language and lifestyle.

“Most of them have nothing.”

Martin Mathieson, assistant director for Barnardo’s Scotland, added: “It’s very heart-warming to hear how the local community reacted to this call and showed their support.

“We would like to offer our thanks to St Peter’s 2005 Red football team for welcoming our youth group and to the local community for their generosity.”

If you would like to make a donation, search for the St Peter’s 2005 Red fundraising page on Facebook.