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Reporter joins fundraising bid in memory of Bobby

A football-loving local newspaper reporter is aiming to help renovate a dilapidated football pitch in South Africa as part of a project set up in memory of Bobby Moore.

The charity established in honour of the World Cup-winning England captain is currently focusing its fundraising efforts on the host nation for next year’s tournament.

Leatherhead and Dorking Advertiser reporter David Blackmore – a lifelong West Ham fan – is one of those taking part in the “Project South Africa” initiative.

David, left, is hoping to raise more than £4,000 to go towards the project and also to bowel cancer research.

The project to renovate a dilapidated school and a football pitch is designed to give local children and their parents the chance to continue their education in their own village, close to their families, rather than being obliged to move away.

David, 22, will be hosting a series of fundraising events throughout the year and will have a football-themed stall at Ashtead Village Day on 20 June.

He said: “With the project taking place next year it makes my fundraising effort even more poignant as in summer of 2010 there will be a little competition called the World Cup in South Africa.

“One of Bobby Moore’s biggest claims to fame is being the only England captain to have lifted the World Cup.”

To make a donation visit David’s page on www.justgiving.com