POLICE and teenagers braved icy winds on Monday to kick-start a new seven-a-side football tournament.

Staff at the Riverside complex in Chester-le-Street and the town's police force helped to organise the event for teenagers from the town and surrounding villages.

They also fielded their own teams, but found themselves out-played by their younger rivals.

Riverside operations manager Julie Lewcock said: "It's gone really, really well, despite the horrible weather.

"In truth the police didn't do very well. We fared slightly better."

The tournament was won by a team from Ouston, who were presented with a trophy by Insp Dave Marshall, from Chester-le-Street Police. A team from Urpeth Grange were runners-up.

The tournament was organised to keep teenagers occupied during their Christmas holidays.

Police secured a £1,000 grant to fund the event, while the eight teams of young people, aged between 13 and 15, were given free use of the council-run facilities at the Riverside, including its artificial turf pitch and a function room.