POLICE officers are becoming football fans this weekend when they turn out to support a five-a-side tournament.

Organisers have urged fellow members of the Easington community policing team to scout for players to take part in the event on Saturday at East Durham and Hough-all Community College, Peterlee.

It is the fourth year running the competition has taken place and it is open to boys' teams in age groups from under-12s to under-16s.

For the second year, the event, which kicks off at 10am, is also open to girls' under-14 sides.

PC Steve Smith, one of the organisers, said: "This year we asked members of the beat team to go out into local communities and encourage residents' associations and community centres to get teams together to take part.

"We are expecting up to 30 teams in total and officers will be there to support them.''

This year, the Easington Community Safety Partnership has given £500 in support of the event, which will be used to provide trophies.

Financial and practical help has also come from the college, which allows free use of its facilities, Walkers Crisps, Asda and Northumbrian Water.

PC Smith, who is the Blackhall beat officer, said: "We hope people will come along and support their local teams and make it a real community fun day."