Former England striker Gary Lineker has backed This Is Essex partner the Gazette's successful goalpost campaign.

The Match of the Day host responded to a letter written by Witham mum Brenda Smith, whose son Jonathan died when a set of goalposts collapsed on him in 1991.

Mrs Smith, of Tees Close, helped us launch our drive last year for new safety measures after the death of seven-year-old Jack Sherrin in similar circumstances.

The former England frontman wrote: "I was so sorry to hear of the tragic loss of your son, Jonathan, and also the other children who seem to have lost their lives so needlessly.

"I would be happy to support your campaign for safer mobile goalposts. As a parent of four football-mad boys I feel their safety is absolutely imperative."

Mrs Smith, of Tees Close, said: "Gary was always a favourite of mine when he was playing for England so I'm delighted he is going to put his name to our campaign.

"Things have gone a bit quiet lately so this is a real boost. Gary could have ignored my letter - he probably gets sackfuls of mail - but this proves he cares."

Others who have backed our campaign include Spurs manager George Graham, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger and West Ham's Harry Redknapp.

Mrs Smith travelled with the Gazette and Braintree MP Alan Hurst to meet sports minister Kate Hoey.

She promised to contact every local authority and education body in Britain about the dangers posed by mobile goalposts, and she pledged to voice her concerns to the Football Association.

Last month the campaign was debated in parliament and Miss Hoey said she was still considering introducing legislation.

Now Jack Sheerin's mum, Susan, is due to meet Miss Hoey in the coming weeks to discuss the problem.

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