Children living in Rio De Janeiro's slums will soon be switching their yellow Brazil shirts for Norwich City tops.

Eastern Daily Press: David Smith is heading over to Brazil to do some charity work in the Rio slums and will also take some football shirts to hand out. Picture: ANTONY KELLYDavid Smith is heading over to Brazil to do some charity work in the Rio slums and will also take some football shirts to hand out. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2015)

City fan David Smith, of Oak Street, Norwich, flew out to South America yesterday to begin working with schoolchildren in some of the most deprived areas of the city.

As well as stationery for the pupils, the 59-year-old also decided to pack 24 Norwich City kits to hand out while he was over there.

The former company director of M&H Plastics, in Beccles, said: 'I asked the project organisers what to bring and they told me that the kids love football shirts.

'So I got in touch with someone at the club and they sent me the shirts and shorts. The idea of a child over there running around in a Norwich City kit is great.'

Mr Smith also purchased a selection of kits from other premiership clubs to take.

The father-of-two said he decided to head out to Brazil after recently retiring from work.

'I want to do something I thought would be meaningful and I want to expose myself to some of the unpleasant things that go on in the world,' he said.

'I know I won't make a huge difference, but you have to do your bit when you can.'

He will spend several weeks living and working in the country for the not-for-profit organisation Iko Poran.

Once there, he will be helping children aged five to 13 in one of the city's numerous slums.

In 2017 Mr Smith is hoping to sail around the globe for charity in a yacht as part of the Clipper Round The World Race.

Are you heading overseas to help people for charity? Call Luke Powell on 01603 772684.