A RENEWED call has gone out for youngsters to sign up for a village football team.

Middleton St George, near Darlington, has not had a junior football team for more than ten years.

People living in the village are keen to rectify that, and are looking for young people interested in playing the game.

Nine youngsters have already signed up, but at least 16 are needed to form a Middleton St George Junior Football Club, which would play in the Richmond District Sunday League.

The games will be played at the village cricket club and equipment is already in place for the new season, which starts in September.

An earlier appeal for players led to some interest, but the organisers of the team say they were expecting a better response.

Secretary Nick Jay said: "We have been a bit disappointed that more youngsters haven't come forward, but are still confident of having a team in place for the new season.

"We have got a great pitch to play on, new football tops, tracksuits, nets and our facilities are second to none. All we need now is enough players to make it worthwhile."

Chairman Graham Clark said: "We have had so much help from local people in the village, including cricket groundsman Malcolm Ashton, who has helped with the pitch, and his wife, Janet, who is our club treasurer."

The club is holding a training session on Thursday night and is hoping to have its first friendly the following Sunday.

Further details about joining the club are available from Mr Jay on (01325) 263837 .