A former regional journalist is hoping to launch his own charity in a bid to ban heading in football.

Mike Edwards wants to start a dementia charity with the aim of reducing the number of players being diagnosed with the disease.

Mike, who began his career on Aberdeen’s Press & Journal in 1989 before going on to work for STV, will lobby sporting authorities to change rules.

The project has the backing of figures including Gail Pirie, daughter of former Scotland manager Ally MacLeod.

Mr MacLeod died after a diagnosis of dementia, which his family believes resulted from repeated concussions and heading footballs during his career as a player from the 1940s to the 1960s.

Mike, whose own mother died after suffering from dementia, told the P&J: “I grew up watching Scottish heroes like Denis Law and Billy McNeill.

“Denis has received a diagnosis and dementia took Billy’s life, among many. I want to stop players suffering in the same way.

“My mother never headed a football in her life but I cared for her at home by myself and she died in my arms so I have seen at first hand what dementia does to someone and have experienced the impact dementia has on their family.”

The 57-year-old, pictured, added: “Football has to change to stop increasing the number of cases of dementia.

“Heading the ball is a slow but certain killer and I will be trying to get the game’s authorities to alter rules and players and coaches to amend attitudes.

“The game must adapt so young players grow up learning not to head the ball in the same way they learn not to handle it.”