Middlesbrough star Colin Cooper went back in time when a group of old friends met for a football reunion match.

Local lads from Co.Durham re-grouped to take part in a game to mark the 20th anniversary since they last played each other.

Ferryhill Comprehensive School and former District Players lined up against Sedgefield Comprehensive School in the County Cup way back in 1983, when the two sides used to be fierce local rivals.

And former Sedgefield scholar Cooper, who has since enjoyed a glittering 18-year professional career in the game with Boro, Millwall and Nottingham Forest, turned out to kick the game off.

Although he wasn't able to participate in the game due to his pro contract, the big-hearted defender - who has always remembered his roots and is well known for supporting local charities - stayed to watch Ferryhill run out 5-3 winners.

Gary Soppit, a former Sedgefield player who organised the match, said: "Some lads had travelled from all over the country to take part, so that was great. The game was played in good spirit and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it.

"We all went for a few drinks afterwards and it brought back some wonderful memories, although Colin was on the soft drinks, naturally! It was a fantastic day all-round."

Due to the success of the event, organisers now plan to hold it annually.