YOUNGSTERS from North Yorkshire have taken victory in a national football tournament.

Stokesley FC Under-13s boys team were crowned UK champions at the Tesco Cup football final, held at the Reebok Stadium in Bolton on Sunday.

The team, who progressed through the county, regional and national stages of the competition, took the honours after a 4-0 win against Landore Colts from Wales.

Former Republic of Ireland player Andy Townsend and England women's goalkeeper Rachel Brown both attended the event.

Mr Townsend said: “I was very impressed by the standard of play at the Reebok Stadium, and I congratulate Stokesley FC on a well-deserved victory.”

The Tesco Cup, now in its fourth year, is a home nations grassroots football competition across three age groups - U13 boys, U14 girls and U16 girls.

More than 3,700 teams entered the 2009 Tesco Cup and just 12 teams reached the UK final to represent England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Team Manager Kevan Howe said: “It is amazing to think we are a team from a small town in Yorkshire and have progressed through the county, regional and national stages to become UK champions.

“The boys have really enjoyed playing in the Tesco Cup competition and playing in the Reebok Stadium has been amazing for the team.

“It is a fantastic initiative and I hope it continues to grow year on year.”