283433/1FOOTBALLERS will be taking to the cricket pitch to raise funds for a little Melksham girl at the weekend.

The North Bradley Saints will be taking on Trowbridge's FC Northbridge in a charity match, followed by a barbecue, to raise funds for four-year-old Nina Leonard.

Northbridge player Matthew Bonfield said: "We had been thinking about doing something for charity and when we came across this story in the paper it seemed to be the perfect choice."

People from across the county have been inspired to hold events or make donations to raise the money Nina needs for a new wheelchair.

The little girl has dystonic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, which means she is confined to a wheelchair and needs 24-hour care.

Despite her problems she has qualified to attend a mainstream school and needs a new outdoor wheelchair if she is to fully take part in school life.

Her parents, Elaine and Philip, who also have three other children, Mark, 22, Rachel, 17 and five-year-old Jacob, need to raise £2,000 to pay for the chair, only half of which will be met by the state.

They are also trying to raise a further £3,000 to pay for a specialised bed and mattress for the youngster.

Two local charities, Special Needs of Wiltshire and Tender Loving Care, are in the process of putting proposals to help Nina to their committees, while individuals, groups and schools are all organising events ranging from cricket matches to car boot sales to help.

There will be a jumble sale in aid of the appeal at the Reading Rooms in Whitley from 10am on July 10.

Warminster-based band Platoon Zero are planning a fundraising gig involving local bands but are still searching for a suitable venue where they can perform without having to pay, so all proceeds can go to the fund.

Anyone who can offer a venue or bands interested in taking part can contact Rob Wickett on 07793 141493.

Anyone who wants to organise an event or make a donation can contact the Wiltshire Times newsdesk on (01224) 352491 or send a cheque payable to Mrs E Leonard to Nina's appeal, Wiltshire Times, 15 Duke Street, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 8EF.