Football match for Burma prisoner

Ma Khin Khin Leh has been held in jail for almost seven years

Dumbarton Football Club will host the UK's first match dedicated to an Amnesty International campaign to release a prisoner held in Burma.

Saturday's game against Forfar Athletic aims to raise awareness of the plight of Ma Khin Khin Leh.

The 38-year-old teacher and mother was sentenced to life imprisonment in the country, also known as Myanmar, in 1999 after a pro-democracy rally.

Amnesty International is campaigning for her unconditional release.

The prisoner knows the campaign is taking place, it is very important to keep her morale going Tim Rhead Amnesty International Dumbarton and Lomond

She is reported to be suffering from lung trouble, arthritis and dysentery.

Members will gather signatures for a petition and raise funds.

Ma Khin Khin Leh's plight will be highlighted in the match day programme.

The campaign has been organised by local Amnesty International activist and Dumbarton supporter Tim Rhead.

Mr Rhead, 59, said: "Myanmar is a difficult country to deal with, their human rights' record is very bad.

"It is a very serious situation. We have been working for two to three years on this and are organising a national petition.

"This gets people to hear about the issue of human rights.

"I hope we get signatures, you never know the effect it will have.

Historic connections

"Ultimately, we want the prisoner released.

"She knows the campaign is taking place, it is very important to keep her morale going."

Dumbarton has historic connections with Myanmar.

The Denny Shipyard was situated on the site of Dumbarton's Strathclyde Homes Stadium.

It constructed many ships for the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company in the period up to the Second World War.

Ian MacFarlane, Dumbarton chief executive, said: "We are always happy to help, we are a community club.

"We support good causes and are aware of Amnesty International's work. We hope it raises awareness."