Two Horley teenagers have made a last-ditch appeal for help so they can make their names in baseball in the United States.

Michael-Richard Johnson and George Hollands, who both study at Oakwood School, will play in the Great Britain Colts Team in a tournament in America.

But the lads need sponsorship and their parents are hoping local businesses might come forward to help out.

The Horley pair will join the rest of the GB team at the Colt World Series in Lafayette, Indiana, next month.

The 16 players and three officials will leave Gatwick tomorrow to play touring matches before the World Series.

As part of their preparation, the team entered the London Senior men's tournament, against 18 other teams.

Michael said: "Suffice to say we finished a very respectable fourth position."

The GB team will play around ten warm-up games against various US high school teams as preparation and to acclimatise to baseball conditions in the US.

They will spend a week hosted by American families and experience the American way of life for a few days.

Michael's dad, Barry, said: "Obviously a tour of this nature costs a great deal of money and the players have tried many ways of raising funds.

"If there is anyone out there who might help us with funding, it would be appreciated."