CHESHIRE East Mayor Margaret Simon netted a host of new young friends when she attended a mini football tournament at Crewe Alex Community Soccer Centre.

The Cheshire East Youth Tournament was staged in honour of a soccer side visiting from Dzierzoniowe in Poland.

The trip was made possible by the efforts of the Guy Harvey Youth Club football team, which covered costs of an exchange through bag packing and a successful bid for funding from the Youth Opportunities Fund.

Last year the team took part in a similar tournament in Poland and returned to Nantwich triumphant as winners of the trophy.

A rematch was staged for the young players to thrash out their skills on the pitch once again and rekindle the friendships they made.

The youngsters also enjoyed trips to Liverpool FC and Chester Zoo and range of fun activities at the Birchin Lane Youth Centre including a barbecue.

Before kick-off, the Mayor gave a welcome speech and wished the teams good luck.

She said: "It is wonderful for our young people to travel abroad and experience different cultures.

“As well as sharpenening their football skills, they have made friendships which should last a lifetime.

"They can treasure their memories of their time in Poland and the time when their Polish friends came to visit them."

More than 60 youngsters aged between 14 and 16 played to win the Cheshire East Council trophy.

Following the games Clr Simon presented the trophy to the winning side Nantwich Town Youth Team.