Ref. 75936-04ANTI-RACISM wristbands supported by Arsenal striker Thierry Henry have become the must-have fashion accessory for youngsters.

In Swindon, the Nike Factory Store at the Great Western Designer Outlet Village sold out within days of the bands going on sale.

And area manager Jo Howard said sales figures were as impressive as the Frenchman's goal tally. "These anti-racism bands are proving extremely popular and most of our 11 countrywide stores have already sold out,'' she said. "Henry has definitely helped the sales."

Such is the demand for the bands emblazoned with Nike's anti-racism slogan Stand Up Speak Up that they have been trading on internet auction site Ebay for as much as £10. The recommended retail price is £1.50.

Kingsdown pupil Sean Carter, 12, snapped one up from the Nike store before they disappeared. The footie fan from Jefferies Avenue said: "Everybody wants them. They are quite a craze.

"I agree with the anti-racism message.

"Unfortunately a lot of my friends can't get hold of them. Most of the stores in Swindon have sold out."

Marcus Davidson, manager of JJB Sports on The Orbital Shopping Park, Thamesdown Drive, said every other customer is enquiring about the bands.

"We have been absolutely inundated with people wanting them," he said. "Our Greenbridge store took a delivery of them on Tuesday and they were gone in hours. On Tuesday alone between 50 and 100 people asked after them.

"Unfortunately, our head office has told us that Nike has no immediate plans to re-supply stores just yet."

The wristband is made of two interlocking bands one black and one white.

Henry came up with the idea after receiving abuse because of his colour. He said: "Racism is the biggest problem facing football across Europe. It's time for us all to take a stand players, fans and authorities."

l Other wristbands are available in different colours to support various causes, like the yellow Live Strong band promoted by Tour de France cyclist and cancer survivor Lance Armstong.

Kevin Shoesmith