YOUNG people from the Easington police division are being invited to take part in a five-a-side football competition and fun day.

The event, which will take place on Saturday, July 20, has been organised by Horden beat officers Keith Bowmaker and Steve Smith.

PC Bowmaker said: "Last year we organised a competition at Seaham, but this event is much bigger and open to teams from across the Easington division.

"It's going to be a real community event and has received tremendous support from local organisations, including Horden Parish Council.

"We hope the competition, which is free to enter, will attract as many youths as possible and encourage good relations between all concerned.''

The event will take place on the Sunderland Road playing fields at Horden, between 9am and 5pm. The five-a-side contest is open to boys' teams only, with three age categories; under 12s; under 14s; and under 16s.

Each team should have no more than eight members and must have a supervising adult.

Application forms are available from Peterlee police office, or from PC Bowmaker on 0191-5862621. All entry forms must be received by July 13.

As well as the football competition, there will be other activities and attractions, including coaching from SAFC staff, face painting, fairground rides, a magic show between 11.30am and 12.30pm, a performance by Horden Colliery Brass Band from 1pm, a bouncy castle, stalls and an armed forces careers stand.