ABOUT 300 youngsters from 34 teams across south-west Durham competed in a six-a-side football tournament in honour of a former soccer academy chairman.

The Wolsingham Soccer Sixes was held for the first time at the Recreation Ground, in Wolsingham, in tribute to Mike Cavender, of Wolsingham Football Academy, who died in January after a long illness.

U8, U10 and U12 teams competed, and trophies were presented by Mr Cavender's partner, Penny Brooks.

Willington Youth took the U10 honours, defeating Bishop Auckland St Mary's.

The U12s final saw a hard fought goalless draw between Newbottle A and Newbottle B teams, and both teams agreed to share the trophy.

In keeping with FA guidelines, there was no overall U8 winner, and all teams were presented with medals for taking part.

Co-organiser Nigel Douthwaite said: "This was a fantastic effort by everyone associated with the academy. Overall, it went very well and we look forward to making this an annual event."

The tournament was organised by coaches and volunteers from the academy, while Wolsingham Parish Council and Anita Savery contributed towards buying trophies and medals.

Northumbrian Water donated bottled water and local businessman Peter Monkhouse rolled and prepared the pitches.