Watford’s record goalscorer Luther Blissett is flying out to South Africa next month to help rebuild a school and is asking fans to donate their old football shirts to the poverty-stricken children in the area.

Blissett, who scored 186 goals for the Hornets in three spells at the club, and former West Ham United defender George Parris will leave for Africa on March 7 with around 40 other volunteers.

Project South Africa is being organised by The Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK and will see the volunteers rebuild the Sandeberg Primary School near Leipoldtsville, on the west coast of the country.

The 11-day trip will result in a football pitch and playground also being renovated for the locals, while money is raised for research into bowel cancer in memory of World Cup winning England captain Bobby Moore.

Blissett, who will also be coaching children on the trip, said: “I am really looking forward to it. I have never been to South Africa before so it is a chance to see a new country but more than anything else it is about giving opportunities to these kids to help improve their education.

“Education is so important and I think we take it for granted here in the UK, so for these kids it will give them somewhere clean and safe to learn.

“It will be fantastic for me to be able to do this for these kids as it will mean so much to them.”

Blissett, 52, has also asked fans to donate their old football shirts for the children in the area.

He explained: “A lot of these kids do not have anything at all so these shirts are something else we can give them.

“These old football shirts will often just be put away and not seen again but they can be put to good use and will be really cherished by these kids.”

You can donate to Project South Africa by going to the Bobby Moore Fund’s website and can drop off your kit at The Hornets Shop in Occupation Road.