A YOUNG American football team in the North-East will fly the flag for the UK when it takes to the field for its biggest ever game.

Woodham Warriors, from Woodham Community Technology College, in Newton Aycliffe, has won the UK Schools American Football Championship.

The team triumphed on home turf when the school hosted the tournament between the Warriors and the two best junior sides from Scotland.

Woodham beat the Falkirk Mustangs 27-0 in the semi-final then went on to clinch a 32-25 victory over Inverness Academy and win the UK title.

The Warriors will now compete against a team from the Czech Republic for a place in the European Championship in Dusseldorf, Germany, on June 11.

Jon Tait, head coach and PE teacher, said: "This is a truly magnificent achievement for all the players and coaches who have worked so hard to become UK champions.

"It was a day that we will all remember for a long time to come and was made even more special by all the students, parents and local people who came down to support us.

"The attitude, determination and commitment of all the players was outstanding and shows that young people from this area have opportunities to compete with the best in Europe."