POLICE organisers of a popular girls' football tournament are seeking sponsors for the event.

The fourth Durham Constabulary/Durham FA girls' seven-a-side competition will involve 32 teams from across the North-East taking part over the weekend of July 3 and 4.

This year it will feature under-tens and under-16s, in addition to under-12s and under-14s categories of previous events.

Games are played simultaneously on the sports field at the force's Aykley Heads headquarters, in Durham, with raffles and fun football skills tests to keep spectators entertained.

PC Ian Kirkup, organiser and a coach at one of the participating teams, Lumley Ladies, said: "When we started out four years ago, eight teams took part in the event and each year its success has led to the tournament expanding further.

"We hope youngsters who might not have a team to play for, but want to become involved, will turn up at the event.

"If they do, we can point them in the right direction and they will benefit from some expert advice."

The tournament has its own website www.girlsfootballnortheast.com, giving out information as well as application forms and rules.

Teams taking part have their own message board and can link up to the site from their own easy access.

Advice about suitable coaching qualifications and how to obtain them will soon be available on the site.

Anyone who can help with sponsorship, including support of the website, is asked to contact PC Kirkup, or PC Anne French, at police headquarters, on 0191-386 4929, or Sheila Jevons, at Durham Football Association, on 0191-384 7006.