HUNDREDS of youngsters took part in a inter-masjid tournament in aid of charity.

A total of 40 teams from 15 mosques in the area played in the first of what it is hoped will be an annual charity event at Deane and Derby Cricket Club, off Chelsea Road, Deane.

More than 280 youngsters took part, watched by 500 cheering parents and teachers. The event was organised by the Bolton Council of Mosques which is currently raising thousands of pounds for Bolton Coronary Care Appeal.

Secretary Mohammed Adam said: "It was a lovely day and we want to do it every year."

The under-15s tournament was won by Taibah Mosque, of Blackburn Road, Astley Bridge; the under-12s winner was Madina Mosque, St George's Road, Bolton; and victory in the under-nines tournament went to Darul-quran, of Bridgeman Street, Daubhill. A match between local teachers and the event's organisers resulted in a 2-0 win for the teachers.

Labour councillor for Derby, Dr Ebrahim Adia, said, "You can't beat football for competitive action. It was a wonderful event to be involved with."