Young Gloucestershire footballers are preparing a colourful bid to raise money for charity.

Members of Cheltenham Saracens Under 16s will don a pink strip next season to raise money for the Sue Ryder Care Leckhampton Court Hospice.

The hospice, which provides palliative care for patients with life-limiting illnesses, holds a special significance for those connected with the team.

Richard Budworth, grandfather of centre back Reece, spent his last days there before dying of cancer earlier this year, aged 71.

In a show of solidarity, players at the Alstone Croft playing field-based team will wear the dazzling pink shirts to raise awareness of the hospice's work.

Coach Kevin Grieve, 41, who is also Richard's son-in-law, said: "We wanted to do something to stand out, and hopefully this will do the trick.

"Richard received vital support during his time at the hospice which we couldn't have done without. It gave him a chance to die with dignity. The family are still feeling his loss, but this is a way of doing something positive in his memory."

The club has raised funds to pay for the kit, which includes black shorts and pink and black striped socks.

They are hoping local businesses will come forward to sponsor them for every goal scored next season, which starts on September 6.

Mr Grieve added: "We're aiming to raise at least £5,000 and would be grateful of any support we receive from businesses or members of the public."

Richard's grandson Reece Budworth, 15, who plays at centre-back, said: "It means a lot that the whole team is supporting the initiative.

"It was sad for the family to lose someone so suddenly. But we want to do something which would have made him proud."

Duncan Willoughby, fundraising manager at Leckhampton Court Hospice, Sue Ryder Care, said: "We're very grateful to Cheltenham Saracens for launching this novel fundraising idea. It sounds like it's got great potential and hopefully teams playing against them will learn more about our work as a result, as well as spectators on the touchline."

Opinion, p8