A team of football-mad Billericay youngsters took on the long arm of the law when they tackled a team of police officers in a specially-arranged match.

The game at the Gloucester Park Bowl in Basildon was arranged to boost community links and raise money for youth facilities in the Outwood Common area.

The police team, made up of players from Billericay and Basildon, might have come out on top, but in the true spirit of football everyone who took part can count themselves a winner.

Super sub PC Rick Poulton, whose 4-year-old son James was the police team mascot, said the game had achieved its goal and the youngsters from Outwood Common had been enjoyable opponents.

The police won 4-1, but the team of youngsters netted a great deal of respect from the boys in blue. He said: "The kids did really, really well - especially for a team just put together for the day.

"The reason for the match was to raise money for a set of goalposts to be installed on the grass area at Outwood Common and we are pleased to have supported it."

Amongst the other police officers who turned out for the game were Community Liaison Officer Pc Kevin Hopton and PC Colin Ellis.

The initiative was backed by a £75 grant from Billericay Town Council which helped towards the cost of hiring the pitch, half time refreshments and medals for the young people taking part.

Essex Youth Service, Basildon District Council and the London Borough of Waltham Forest - which owns the open space at Outwood Common - are continuing to work together to find ways of improving facilities for youngsters in the area.

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