Canaries ex-boss still a Holt supporter

He's better known as a manager than a supporter - but there is one north Norfolk club that former Canaries boss Nigel Worthington has a soft spot for, and it is nothing to do with football.

He's better known as a manager than a supporter - but there is one north Norfolk club that former Canaries boss Nigel Worthington has a soft spot for, and it is nothing to do with football.

For 'Worthy' is a keen backer of the Holt Youth Project, which he opened in 2004 during his reign in charge of Norwich City.

In those early days he also donated money he earned from a newspaper column and shop opening fees, having been introduced to the project by teachers at a local school.

Now, even though he has moved on to be Northern Ireland manager, he still has roots in the area - with a home and one boy still at school, and likes to visit the project to see how it is progressing.

During his most recent trip he even had a blow dry from the girls in the Blush beauty salon during an 'I'm a girlie - get me out of here' evening.

Afterwards Mr Worthington said: 'This is a magnificent scheme, and the way it has built up since it started is phenomenal.

'I like to keep in touch and it is great to see so many children using it.'

He praised the new Health Hut - built through a �46,000 fund-raising effort - which would help youngsters and the local community keep fit.

And he applauded the efforts of project manager Julie Alford and the other helpers who had given so much time to the scheme.

Mrs Alford said the work of the centre continued to evolve. It was featured in a national magazine called Youth Work Now. And other communities, including Mundesley, were asking for her help in starting similar ventures.