MEMBERS of a project for people with learning disabilities have scored a success with local police in a recent football challenge.

Service users from GOALs (Go Out and Live) played against beat officers and police community support officers at Chester-le-Street FC’s multi-use all weather pitch, and won 10-6.

Organiser Simon Walters, a PCSO based at Pelton, said: “I’ve been going into the GOALs sessions at Pelton quite a bit and they always go on about football. We play football at work as well and I said can we come along and they were more than happy for us to come along and have a game with them.

“It’s nice to try and do something with everyone in the community, especially sort of groups that sometimes probably get left behind by services.

“All the officers are based up at Pelton, Special Constables, PCSOs and a PC as well.

“It’s been brilliant fun. However, after losing 10-6, we definitely need a rematch.”

The County Durham GOALs programme is managed by Northern communities’ charity, DISC, and is designed for those with learning difficulties so they can enjoy life to the full.