Three teams representing County Durham made it to the final stages of the nationally contested Millennium Youth Games.

Organised by Sport England, 6,500 youngsters aged between 13-15, representing 52 teams from across the cou ntry, competed in eight different sports at the four-day event in Southampton.

The girls' football team won their competition and the boys' team reached the semi finals before being cruelly knocked-out with a late goal while the Durham Tennis team lost out in the quarter finals.

The County's girls' football team, from Chester-le-Street District, reached the national final having beaten teams from across the country. At the final stages of the Millennium Youth Games, which were held in Southampton, they played out a 0-0 draw against Lincolnshire which was followed by the nail-biting tension of a penalty shoot-out.

Goalkeeper Holly Scott took centre stage with a heroic performance while the other successful players were Amy Whittaker, Leanne Kemp, Kimberley Wood, Sarah Muir, Erica Hall, Sarah Jane Price, Rachel Young and Sam Todd.

Geoff Sheldon, from Durham County Council's PE and Sport Development Unit and Durham team manager praised the team for their performance saying: "The girls held their nerve magnificently, especially goalkeeper, Holly Scott, to win the shoot-out convincingly.

"It's an absolutely unbelievable feeling to be Millennium Youth Games winners."

The football team's manager, Pauline Valentine was equally proud and described the win as one of her proudest moments.

"This is the pinnacle of 20 years' involvement in football and one of the greatest moments of my life," she said.

Continuing: "I can't describe how proud of the team I am, not only of their performance on the pitch but also their behaviour off it.

"They are a confident, out-going bunch of girls with a wonderful team spirit. They weren't overawed in the slightest and thrived on the atmosphere and occasion.

"To go through the whole three-day competition and not concede a single goal is some achievement. I'm not sure if the magnitude of what they have achieved has quite sunk in yet,"

A reception for the team was held at Chester Moor Football Club last night where Newcastle United Manager, Bobby Robson formally presented them with their trophy.

Durham boys' football team from Elemore Hall and Durham Trinity schools reached the semi finals only to concede a goal in the final minute to Northern Ireland.

Team manager, Ron Milton, said: "To reach the semi finals in a competition of this size is bound to have a huge impact on the confidence and self-esteem of the boys.

"As well as their success on the field, the boys have gained a great deal socially from being part of the Durham team and meeting people from around the country."

The tennis team from Durham Johnston and Durham High schools, lost 4-2 in a close quarter final with Hampshire who were the tournaments eventual winners.

Despite the defeat, Managers Alan Morris and Jean Mace were pleased with their team and, like the other team's managers, praised their behaviour.

"We are extremely proud of our players who performed superbly in a very tight match with Hampshire."

"There was marvellous commitment and effort from team managers who were all giving up their holidays to be there," said Sheldon.

"All our teams performed magnificently, battling against many larger areas and in some instances it was our school teams against development squads.

"We were quietly hoping to have one team through to the final stages but to have three was beyond our wildest dreams.

"Equally important is the social experience, bonding as the Durham team did and meeting other young people from all over the UK.

"The girls' hockey team formed a special link with the Edinburgh team resulting in friendly fixtures being arranged with team members and coaches staying with their opponents.

Representing Durham in the Millennium Youth Games were: St Bede's, Lanchester (athletics); Durham Johnston (girls basketball); Park View School, Chester-le-Street (boys' basketball); Chester-le-Street District team (girls football); Elemore Hall and Durham Trinity schools (boys football); Hummersknott School, Darlington (girls hockey); Park View (boys hockey); Park View (netball); Hermitage School, Chester-le-Street (girls rugby); Woodham School, Newton Aycliffe (swimming); Durham Johnston and Durham High schools (tennis)

A reception for the whole Durham team and parents will be held at County Hall, Durham in September.

Website www.baamyg.org.uk has a complete listing of results