A WOMEN'S football club is celebrating after winning £4,800 from the National Lottery's Awards for All programme.

Lumley Ladies FC, which provides competitive football for players aged eight upwards, has only been going since May.

The grant will enable the club to purchase kit and equipment and will contribute towards training and pitch fees.

The club started with 20 girls but now has attracted a further 55 in just five months.

Secretary Dennis Price, said: "We cannot believe our luck to have secured such a massive boost. We have so many girls from widely differing backgrounds who have one thing in common - they just love playing football! I would also emphasise that any girl who would like to give football a try is welcome to come to our training sessions and give it a go."

The club has under-10, under-12, under-13, under-14 and senior teams. Training is held every Thursday at the Riverside, Chester-le-Street, from 6.30 to 8pm and matches are played on Saturdays or Sundays.

Would be junior players should call Mark on (0191) 388 7930, seniors should call Owen on (0191) 389 0374 and general inquiries can be made to Dennis on (0191) 389 4494. The club also has its own website www. intheteam.com/LumleyLadiesFC