SPORTS-MAD youngsters in Zimbabwe include former Town striker Peter Ndlovu and Blackburn footballer Benjani among their heroes.

And they could soon be adding the name of Lepton Highlanders cricketer Terry Lyons to their list.

The 24-year-old batsman and wicketkeeper is planning a return trip to Zimbabwe, determined to help youngsters in a remote town.

They love sport but are so poor that their cricket ball is a stone and when their only football burst they could not play for four months.

Terry, 24, who works for a breakdown recovery firm, first visited the children in 2008.

He volunteered to spend several weeks working on the Imire Game Reserve in Marondera, about 100km from the capital Harare.

“It was enjoyable work and while I was there I got involved with a local school and did some sports coaching.

“I used to run football and cricket lessons for the youngsters, who are aged from three up to 18 and they loved it.

“They live in appalling conditions, going to school without shoes and having to share simple things like books and pens.

“But they love their sport and at every opportunity would try and play.

“They used sticks for cricket stumps and stones for a ball.

“The only day the village men got free was Sunday and they loved to play football, until their only ball burst and they had to miss their sport for four months.

“The kids have heroes like Benjani, who plans for Blackburn, and former Town striker Peter Ndlovu. They see sport as their only way out.

“Now I plan to return to Zimbabwe after the summer and I want to take as much sporting kit for them as I can.

“They would welcome anything – cricket bats, balls, pads and whites, as well as soccer kit. I am flying with Kenya Airways and they have granted me a charity baggage allowance.”

Terry is second-team skipper at Lepton and has previously played with Elland and with Huddersfield and Lockwood.

Terry’s girlfriend Hannah plays with local band Funk-tion and they plan a charity concert at Lepton Highlanders to help boost the appeal.

People who can help Terry can contact him on 07702 565225 or can leave kit at Lepton Highlanders Sports Club at Wakefield Road.