A GIRLS' football team is celebrating after becoming county champions.

Coxhoe Girls Under-11s beat stiff competition at the Soccerena in Durham to take the County Durham title.

Winners from across the region met to decide who would represent the county at the North of England Championship in Blackburn, Lancashire, in May.

The Coxhoe team - Nicole Lawson, Sophie Wilson, Lauren Dodsworth, Lauren Johnston, Abbie Hodgson, Emily Stores, Hayley Bargh, Laura Taylor, and Jessica Keelty - had won their regional finals and represented the Sedgefield area.

Team manager Stuart Skaife said: "I'm really proud of the girls who, from humble beginnings, have worked so hard to get together as a team. They truly deserve this success."

Coxhoe Primary School headteacher John Brennan said: "We are all very pleased and proud of this achievement. We're looking forward to our trip to Blackburn where we'll be honoured to represent our county."

A show night is being held at Coxhoe Working Men's Club at 7.30pm on Wednesday, March 1. Proceeds will fund school sports equipment.

The event was organised by parents and supporters of the school. Tickets cost £3 from Coxhoe WMC or at the school.