POLICE and teenagers braved icy winds yesterday to launch a seven-a-side football tournament.
Staff at the Riverside complex, in Chester-le-Street, and the town's police force helped organise the event for teenagers from the town and surrounding villages.
They also fielded their own teams, but found themselves outplayed 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 Inspector Dave Marshall, from Chester-le-Street police. A team from Urpeth Grange came runners-up.
The competition was organised to keep teenagers occupied in 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 AstroTuft pitch and a function room.
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