Swindon Town have confirmed that the search for a young letter-writer which captured the hearts of football fans everywhere has come to an end.

Last month the club received a letter supposedly written by 'Joe', aged six-and-a-half. He said he and his mum could not afford tickets to watch the team play and also enclosed 26p for his favourite player, Harry McKirdy.

A picture tweeted by the club went viral and received widespread exposure, featuring on national news and sports bulletins and also shows like ITV's This Morning.

A JustGiving page was set up following the publication of the letter and £10,300 was raised for the youngster and his family.

Joe’s letter read: "Mummy doesn't have any money to come to Swindon games because she has no money for food and has to pay for my dinner at schol [sic].

"I like Swindon Town Harry McKirdy. I will come one day. Joe, 6-and-a-half."

Now, Town have confirmed that despite extensive publicity, the club has been unable to locate ‘Joe’ and as a result they will be bringing the search to an end.

“We would like to express our sincere appreciation towards all those who have reached out and offered to support Joe,” a club statement read.

Half of the money will be passed on to the Swindon Food Collective - a local independent food bank that currently feeds up to 7,500 people per year.

The other half of the money will go to the Swindon Town Community Foundation and will be spent on giving children and families in a similar situation to 'Joe', with an opportunity to experience a matchday package at SN1.

Swindon Town Community Foundation will also work in partnership with local schools to identify children and families for this scheme that are experiencing financial hardship. This will allow over 300 children to enjoy a professional coaching session, have a pre-match lunch and watch a first-team match at the County Ground.

The club have also confirmed that should ‘Joe’ be identified in the future he, and his family, would be offered tickets to attend a match as a mascot, meet McKirdy, and experience full VIP hospitality at The County Ground.

Town have also said that wouldprovide season tickets for 'Joe' and his family for the remainder of this, and next season.

McKirdy has been in top form for Town this season, scoring 14 goals in 28 appearances.