A FANATICAL Welsh football supporter from Bala has helped raise thousands of pounds for local charities.

Tim Williams is the proprietor of the Spirit of 58 (SO58) brand which features a range of football-inspired T-shirts, pin badges, bags and a whole array of other Welsh sporting merchandise.

The brand, which remembers Wales playing in the 1958 world cup, has become synonymous with Wales’ successful Euro 2016 qualifying campaign and Tim’s trademark tricolour bucket hats have been seen all across the continent.

Aside from kitting out Welsh football fans, Tim has also arranged several events which have raised more than £6,000 for national charities.

“We had events before the Bosnia game and before the Belgium game, both events raised more than £3,000 each,” he told the Cambrian News.

“There are plans for a few more too, certainly one in Merthyr Tydfil and another in Bala in the new year.

“It’s nice to give something back and do something positive. Football fans can have a bit of a reputation but these events have been a unifying force.

“Lots of people have been very supportive, especially Sky Sports presenter Bryn Law who has become a good friend and even mentions Spirit of 58 in his newly released book, Zombie Nation Awakes.

“The bar staff at the events are always amazed. Apparently the football fans create more of an atmosphere than the rugby fans do on match days - put more money behind the bar too!”

Tim, who works in Huws Gray in Ruthin, was inspired to set up Spirit of 58 after becoming despondent about the lack of quality Welsh merchandise available for fans.

“You could get a replica shirt and that was about it,” the Bala entrepreneur explained.

“I had the idea for Spirit of 58 with a friend of mine when we were at an away game in Macedonia and it snowballed from there really.

“There’s a new range out in time for the Euros next year.”

And what does Tim think about Wales’ chances next year?

“I’ll be going out with my family for the tournament, I’m really looking forward to it,” he said.

“The results don’t really matter, I’m just happy to be there, it’s been a long time coming.

“Well, one result certainly does matter, I think we all know which one!”