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Local football will be lit up by the colours of the rainbow over the course of the next week in support of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender players and fans.

Some footballers in the Danske Bank Premiership and Women's Premiership will don special rainbow laces in support of the LGBT community.

The campaign is set to run this Saturday (April 22) and next Wednesday (April 26).

The initiative is being led by Belfast Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Mary Ellen Campbell, and is supported by the Northern Ireland Football League.

Since becoming the first opening gay Deputy Lord Mayor, Ms Campbell has been making waves for the LGBT community.

And on Saturday the Belfast City representative will be at the Danske Bank Premiership match between Cliftonville and Glenavon at Solitude to help launch the colourful laces.

It is hoped the campaign will help strengthen acceptance and support of the LGBT community in sport.

NIFL Managing Director Andrew Johnston said, “We are delighted to support the Deputy Lord Mayor in this initiative. Football brings people together and this is a great way to stand alongside footballers and fans alike who identify as LGBT.”