TEESSIDE'S very own "mini world-Cup" took place at the weekend to support a charity which helps asylum seekers.

It is the fifth year charity Justice First has organised the annual international football tournament, which saw teams from across the region representing different charities.

Teams of asylum seekers also took part, with many different nationalities playing at Goals Soccer Centre in Middlesbrough.

Justice First, based in Teesside, helps vulnerable refugees with the process of gaining protection as an asylum seeker.

Pete Widlinski, Justice First's communication manager, said the the tournament was more than just a fundraiser - and raising the charity's profile was a big part of the event.

"Getting the work we do into the community gives us that higher profile and helps us with fundraising, particularly with individual donations," he said.

"There’s no better way of doing it than with football, it’s an international language."