Sir Paul McCartney gives boost to 1066 Specials FC

Club founder Harold Lawrence, who wrote to Sir Paul inviting him to take on the role, was amazed when the former Beatle agreed.

Harold said: "I am absolutely delighted. It is an unexpected development.

"I think we realised that his time is extremely taxed but the fact that he has given us permission to put his name on our literature is very significant.

"I am sure that when it comes to meaningful negotiations, especially regarding finding a permanent home for the Specials and for disability sport in general within the Rother district, his assistance may be invaluable."

The Specials were founded nearly six years ago, initially as a means of offering high-quality football training to youngsters with profound handicaps and to give them opportunity to play the sport.

It has proved such a success that the Specials now welcomes disabled players of all ages.

The club meets twice a month at Bexhill College for coaching and has a membership of nearly 100.

The major boost for the club came about by chance.

Harold Lawrence said: "Sir Paul was posing questions about the club to the mother of one of our young members who was in his 1066 Specials football strip and who he realised was disabled.

"It developed from there. I contacted his office and on their advice wrote to him.

"Not only has he agreed to become our patron he is so enthusiastic about it...

"It's wonderful news."