YOUNGSTERS got a slice of the action yesterday when they participated in Burnley's 2003 Police Community Football Competition.

Breadmakers Warburtons joined forces with Burnley Police to kick start the competition.

The company, based on Billington Road Industrial Estate, agreed to sponsor the Burnley Police Community Cup Competition for a second year.

The Cup competition took place on the Astroturf at Towneley Park from 10am - 5pm, with the seven-a-side competition open to everyone from the local community in Burnley and Padiham.

Three age groups -- under 14s, 14-17s and over 17s -- took part while making the most of the blistering heat.

Teams paid £20 each to take part with proceeds from the event being donated to the Mayor of Burnley's charity appeal. All entrants received a certificate for taking part with cups and medals handed out for the winners of each category, funded by Warburtons.

Competition organiser PC Andy Thornhill who is the community beat manager for Burnley Wood, said: "The competition is held to give youngsters from all sectors of the local community a chance to have some fun and showcase their footballing skills.

"Last year, which was the first year we held the competition, well over 200 young people came to the event either to play or cheer their friends on and everyone had a fantastic time.

"The 2003 competition, which has also received backing from McCaw Soft Drinks and BBC Radio Lancashire, was even bigger and better."

Commenting on the tournament, which Warburtons have sponsored for a second year running, general manager of the company's Burnley bakery, Duncan Lees, said: "Football is a great way to bring people together."