MORE than 100 young footballers showed off their skills in memory of a policeman who died chasing suspects.

Colleagues of PC Keith Maddison in Crook and Willington organised a five-a-side tournament for local primary schools.

The traffic officer collapsed after a heart attack in May 1997, when he was following two men who had abandoned a stolen horse box in Howden-le-Wear.

The tournament, at the Spectrum Leisure Complex, in Willington, was won by Hunwick Juniors.

They beat Tow Law 1-0 after a penalty awarded by referee PC Steve Barker.

"It was a fairly bruising encounter between two very committed young teams," he said.

"The kids loved it. It's one of the highlights of the year for them.

"They can see the shield and they want to win it - they're very enthusiastic and talented."

It was the fourth year that the competition has taken place.

It included 12 teams with squads of eight players.

PC Barker thanked Wear Valley District Council for allowing free use of the complex for the tournament.