IPSWICH Town Football Club is today giving Star readers the opportunity to get their hands on a special piece of Blues history.This limited edition, framed shirt is one of just 26 that have been made this season and the club have donated it to us to auction off for our Let Them Play appeal.

IPSWICH Town Football Club is today giving Star readers the opportunity to get their hands on a special piece of Blues history.

This limited edition, framed shirt is one of just 26 that have been made this season and the club have donated it to us to auction off for our Let Them Play appeal.

The goal-keeper's shirt has been signed by all of the players and has 'limited edition' embroidered above the badge on the front.

Terry Baxter, spokesman for ITFC, said: “This really is a collector's piece and is one of only 26 that have been made this season.

“They have been fetching upwards of £400 and it could make someone a very special belated Christmas present.”

We are offering the shirt to the Star reader who sends us the highest bid by the closing date of January 1.

There is a reserve price of £250, but the shirt is worth much more.

Every penny raised will go towards our Let Them Play appeal which is aiming to raise £30,000 for a new surface in the play area at Ipswich Hospital's children's wards.

Town stars Jim Magilton and Richard Naylor are patrons of the appeal and, last week, brightened up the festive season for dozens of children by dropping in to the wards for a visit.

Both players have young children who have spent time in the hospital and say they are well aware of the importance of playing.

Magilton said: “My little boy, Adam, was spent a lot of time there. He is still in there occasionally but he is getting better. He used the outdoor play area when he was here and was pretty active."

The Star is well on the way to raising the £30,000 after a huge £9,000 donation from generous regulars at The Feathers pub in Walton yesterday, but we still need all the support you can give us.

If you would like to bid for the shirt send the amount you wish to bid, along with your contact details, to Sarah Gillett, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or email sarah.gillett@eveningstar.co.uk by January 1.

If you would like to donate to the appeal cheques should be made payable to 'Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust Let Them Play' and sent to The Directorate of Child Health, Ipswich Hospital, Heath Road, Ipswich, IP4 5PD.