A ladies football team have been hitting the European trophy trail. Crook Town Ladies recently returned from Holland with the Harlem Cup and now they are hoping for similar glory domestically.

Eighteen sides descended on the Dutch town over a week-long festival, which also held competitions for boys from ages eight through to Under-18s.

And the Crook side, who are playing their first season under a new name having previously been known as Billingham, ensured the prestigious trophy made the trip to these shores.

Town had to progress through a tough nine team group, which included a strong Holland select XI, before beating Danish side Fjordeborg in the final 2-1.

Manager Alan Dodds, whose 20-year-old daughter Amanda lifted the trophy, was delighted with his side's achievement.

He said: "It was a massive competition which has been running since 1986, with teams from all over.

"We were the only English club in the ladies competition and I am really proud of all them because they were fantastic.

"It is the first time we have ever entered it and to come back with the cup is brilliant."

Crook play their home games in the Women's Northern Regional League at Millfield and they are hoping for a high finish this season.

Dodds' girls got off to a flying start last weekend when they overcame Carlisle 2-1 with both goals being scored by Kirsty Finlayson.

Now Crook face a daunting clash with highly-fancied Chester-le-Street on Sunday, but the boss is quietly confident of success.

"Chester-le-Street are a good, good side," said Dodds. "But on our day on a level playing field we are a match for anyone.

"We have high hopes this season and we are hoping to do well."

The Crook outfit have ambitions to earn promotion to the Women's Combination League in future years and they are already putting their plans in place.

Formed seven years ago as Billingham Ladies, they have now set up base at Crook where they have been able to use good facilities.

And they have just received a new strip from team sponsor King's Sport, owned by Simon Williams.

Spennymoor-based Dodds, whose wife Olive is also the club secretary, said: "The change was brought about because we wanted to upgrade. It's as simple as that.

"We have upgraded and the playing surface is the biggest benefit to us.

"We have sights on promotion, most definitely. We want to go on and on and finish in the National League. But we are not setting targets.

"We are looking to the future and we are going to have a go. We have got a good squad when they are all fit and healthy, so things are looking good."