BEAT bobbies' are to pit their ball skills against a team of teenagers.

Police officers in Chester-le-Street are to put their own team forward in a football tournament for young people from the town and surrounding villages. The seven-a-side contest, for 13 to 15-years-old, will take place on Monday at the Riverside complex in the town and has been organised by Riverside operations manager Julie Lewcock.

She said: "Lots of parties are organised at this time of year for youngsters in the younger age groups, but often little is done for teenagers.

"The competition will keep them busy in the run-up to Christmas and give them something to look forward to when they might otherwise just be marking time." Mrs Lewcock put her idea for the tournament to PC Steve Brown, beat officer for the Riverside, who then recruited colleagues from across the district.

Staff from the Riverside will also be fielding a team, as well as providing the referees. Youngsters taking part will be able to use the Riverside's top facilities for free.

The match will be played on the artificial pitch and the players will be able to use the complex's changing rooms and function room. Police have secured a £1,000 grant for the tournament and are providing medals for every youngster taking part and trophies for the winning team, runners-up, top scorer and the best player.

The tournament will run between 10am and 3pm.