FOOTBALLING giant Manchester United has jumped on board a project to raise awareness of runaways in Warrington.

The club has got behind ARC's Talk... Don't Walk scheme, which is aiming to collect a record-breaking line of footprints stretching two miles - the average distance a young runaway travels before they think about turning back.

Darren Fletcher, midfielder for Manchester United and Scotland, gave his support by donating his footprint as one of more than 11,000 that need to be collected.

He said: "It is exciting to be able to support a project that helps young people, especially those that may be having difficulty either at home or at school."

He continued: "By raising awareness of the dangers of running away, we may be able to prevent young people getting involved in crime such as drugs or stealing.

"And letting them know that there are alternatives has got to be a good thing.

"I'm glad to give my footprint to such a project and I hope others will be motivated to get on board and give their footprints too."

The project is part of ARC's One Step At A Time campaign, which reaches its finale on Saturday, June 25.

On that night, the charity will hold a midsummer's ball at The Halliwell Jones Stadium.

The evening includes a four-course meal and a charity auction with sought-after memorabilia from Manchester United as well as a chance to bid for the players' footprints in an auction.

Tickets are £30 per person or £250 for a table of 10.

If you want to donate a footprint for the campaign, you will have hot foot it down to ARC at the Gateway Centre, Sankey Street by Friday, April 29.

To find out more about ARC and the rest of the campaign, call 246910.