Norwich City captain, Russell Martin, is backing a "special" St Albans charity for the Aviva Community Fund.

The Aviva Community Fund is a nationwide initiative, which launched on Tuesday and offers support and funding of up £25,000 to local inspirational causes and projects that are put forward by the public.

The right-back is hoping that Crohn's and Colitis UK - charity, which aims to improve life for people suffereing from Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), be awarded some of the funding.

He said: "It's a special charity for me, because I struggle with Colitis myself and they raise awareness for IBD and help raise money for research and funds.

"They are the first port of call for a lot people who have been diagnosed with it."

The Brighton-born footballer is a champion for the charity, alongside other high-profile sportsmen and women, including Sir Steve Redgrave and Darren Fletcher.

Any project which makes positive changes to people's lives and is for the greater good of the community can qualify to apply for the funding. For more information visit www.aviva.co.uk/community-fund.