A WOMEN'S football club is celebrating after winning £4,800 from the National Lottery's Awards for All programme.

Lumley Ladies, which provides competitive football for players aged eight upwards, was formed in May.

The grant will enable the club to purchase kit and equipment and will contribute towards training and pitch fees.

The club started with 20 girls but now has attracted a further 55 in only five months.

Founders believed there was tremendous potential in the Chester-le-Street area and now have the means to fully develop it.

Secretary Dennis Price said "We cannot believe our luck to have secured such a massive boost.

"We have so many girls from widely differing backgrounds who have one thing in common - they just love playing football.

"I would also emphasise that any girl who would like to give football a try is welcome to come to our training sessions and give it a go."

The club has teams at under-10, under-12, under-13, under-14 and senior levels.

Training is held every Thursday at the Riverside, Chester-le-Street, from 6.30pm to 8pm, and matches are played on Saturdays or Sundays.

Would-be junior players can call Mark on 0191-388 7930, seniors can call Owen on 0191-389 0374 and general inquiries can be made to Mr Price on 0191-389 4494.

The club also has a website: www.intheteam.com/LumleyLadiesFC.