It's official, England have won the World Cup! Or, to be more precise, a school team named after England have won a school's football competition.

Heathfield Primary School of Darlington won the Schools World Cup organised by North Riding County Football Association and Middlesbrough Council's Sports Development Team last Saturday.

Around 800 schoolchildren took to the field at Acklam Sports Centre, in Middlesbrough to participate in the competition which mirrored the real thing that starts today.

The tournament had an amazing 104 teams entering into the event including 24 girls only teams which made it the biggest FA-organised tournament in the country.

Schools from all over the region took on the identity of one of the qualifying teams and were encouraged to learn about their allocated country prior to the event.

On the day schools paraded their nations flag in true World Cup style.

The morning saw fantastic displays of football in all three of the competitions (mixed Year's Three and Year Four, Girls Year Five and Year Six, Boys Year Five and Year Six) and with the weather staying kind it set the stage for the final knockout rounds in the afternoon.

Every player received a medal and certificate and for the winners a full mini soccer strip was generously donated by Premier Kits UK.

Andy Clay, Football Development Officer said: "On behalf of everyone involved with the event I would like to thank all the schools that took part, there was a real buzz in the air and you could certainly tell that World Cup fever has hit the nation.

"The tournament ran exactly according to plan which is a massive compliment to Middlesbrough Council who co-ordinated the event.

"I would like to offer my biggest congratulations to all the winning schools, one of which represented England - lets hope that this is a lucky omen for the real event."

* If you would like to contact the North Riding County FA on any up and coming events contact the Football Development Office on (01642) 321696.