YOUNG footballers have flown to Russia for their first taste of playing away internationally.

The footballers from Sandhole Juniors, based in the Stanley area, are the guests of young soccer players in Petrozavodsk in the republic of Karelia, North-West Russia.

The visit is the 'away leg' of encounters between the two teams. They were due to return this Friday.

Last year the Derwentside lads hosted a three-way exchange with teams from Petrozavodsk, Tubingen in Germany and Snolnok in Hungary. Although the visit to Derwentside took place last July, the poor weather prompted even the Russians to complain about the cold.

The Sandhole players' trip was paid for by fundraising by the boys and the support of local residents, groups and organisations.

Local Labour and Independent members of Durham County Council chipped in with £1,000 from their individual Community Fund mini-budgets.

Coun Joe Armstrong from Esh, near Langley Park, said the cash was a way of rewarding the responsible approach shown by the boys in planning the ambitious trip.

He said they were making a video of their visit and on their return plan to give presentations to the people who have helped to turn their dream into reality.