THERE should be lots to interest sports fans at a charity auction in Burnley featuring signed shirts from soccer superstars like Pele and Maradona.

The prized memorabilia will be up for grabs at a sportsman's dinner at Turf Moor in aid of cerebral palsy.

And as well as the amazing auction former Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham and England international defender Neil Razor' Ruddock will be guest speaker at the event.

Comedian Carl Schofield is also set to provide some light entertainment at the dinner organised by Burnley couple Gavin Roper and his girlfriend Kelly Love.

It is in aid of cerebral palsy charity Scope as Gavin's nephew, Nathaniel Lowe, 10, was born with the condition.

Nathaniel, who attends Christ Church CE Primary School, Colne, was born with cerebral palsy, which affects his legs and his movement.

All the prize items come with a certificate of authentication and information which can trace the signing of the shirts back to the very pen which was used by the sports stars.

Gavin, 30, of Wheatley Lane Road, Fence, said: "The reason we set this up was to raise money for the charity.

"We've seen how Nat has benefited and improved through the work the charity has done.

"And I like going along to sportsman's dinners so it was good to combine the two."

Nat's stepdad Mark said: "It's a difficulty he lives with. It can affect kids in all different ways, their speech and their movement "It's just his walking that's difficult for him. He goes to a mainstream school and all his mates are able bodied."

Nat, of Alma Avenue, Foulridge, currently uses walking sticks and a frame to get around.

But his family are hopeful an operation at Leeds General Hospital a few weeks ago, will considerably aid his walking ability.

Surgeons stretched the tendons on the main muscles in both his legs.

And Mark said it was thanks to the fundraising, like the dinner organised by his brother, that Nat continued to wear such an infectious little smile.

He said: "Cerebral palsy is basically an oxygen deficiency at birth.

"If there were more heart monitors available to women giving birth then it could be more or less eradicated.

"It's something they have to live with for the rest of their life because there's no cure.

"But Nat's very mild mannered and he never complains.

"He's fantastic in that way and he just gets on with things."

The fundraising dinner will be at Turf Moor on November 17.

For details ring Gavin on 07720710325.