A TOWN'S teenagers kick off a new football tournament today, following an early Christmas gift from local police and council leisure staff.

Seven-a-side teams from across Chester-le-Street and surrounding villages take part in the competition organised by beat bobbies operating in the area and the workforce at the Riverside sports complex.

With bad weather anticipated, the artificial pitch at the complex is expected to prove its worth as the eight teams, with players aged from 13 to 15, take part.

The beat officers and Riverside leisure staff are also fielding teams, referees and other match officials.

Competition founder Julie Lewcock, the centre's operational manager, has put in the ground work to ensure it became a reality.

It is being funded by a £1,000 grant secured by the police from a local fund administered by the Co-ordination of Social Inclusion Programmes project, while match balls have been provided by the Chester-le-Street branch of sports shop chain TY McGurk.

Ms Lewcock said: "Lots of parties are organised at this time of year for youngsters in the younger age groups, but often little is done for teenagers.

"I believe the competition will keep them busy in the run up to Christmas and give them something to look forward to when they might otherwise just be marking time."

She put the idea to PC Steve Brown, beat officer for the Riverside, and he recruited colleagues from across the district to help run the event.

PC Brown said: "The council is making the pitch, the changing rooms and the function room available free of charge.

"We'll provide a medal for every youngster taking part and there will also be trophies for the winning team, runners-up, top scorer and the best player."

The tournament starts at 10am.