AN international football tournament will be staged in Darlington, attracting young players from across Europe.

Boys and girls teams from Finland, Poland and Germany will arrive this week for the competition.

Organised by the Town Twinning Association, Darlington Borough Council and Darlington Partnership, the four day event for 14-year-olds kicks off on Saturday.

It will involve 56 participants from Kuusankoski, Finland, 20 from Opole, in Poland, and 47 from Mulheim, in Germany, Darlington's twin town.

They will play five local teams at Eastbourne Sports Complex.

As well as the football, the young people will take part in a youth conference, sharing experiences and making new international friends.

Events will include a trip to a Darlington FC match, a concert and the chance to take part in Sunday's Darlington Road Race.

Councillor Tom Nutt, chairman of the twinning association, said: "The whole idea is for the children to get together and build lasting friendships. We have already been asked to send two teams to Mulheim next year for a similar event."

The children will stay at Polam Hall School, local hotels and St Cuthbert's Church Hall. An appeal has gone out for extra camp beds for the players. Anyone who can help should call 01325-388943.