A MULTI cultural football tournament to raise funds for Cancer Relief has proved to be another huge success.

The annual competition held at Witton Park, attracted 59 teams from across the North West and included more than 1,500 junior and senior players.

Following the racial tension seen in some towns and cities during the summer, organisers were delighted to see white, Asian and Afro Caribbean teams competing together to help raise funds for a worthy cause.

Ismail Esat, who organised the tournament with Iqbal Bhai, said: "With all the troubles we have seen during the summer it was good to see players from all backgrounds playing in harmony.

"There was no trouble and football and the community were the real winners and race never came in to it."

Teams from Blackburn, Accrington, Burnley, Preston, Chorley and Manchester took part in the competition.

Age groups ranged from under 11s, 12s, 14s, 17s and a senior competition.

The under 11s competition was won by Blue Star Junior Football Club with Accoutre finishing as runners-up.

The honours were shared in the under 12s event with Feniscowles and Bengal Star Juniors lifting the trophy.

Blackburn side Islington Boys beat Shad All Stars to win the under 14s competition.

And a very talented Bank Top Rovers Youth side won the under 17s age category with OBC Deluxe finishing as runners-up.

The senior competition was won by Baba Zaman Restaurant who beat De Gama in the final.

The event was sponsored by Bookers Cash and Carry, Blackburn with Darwen Council's community events, Education and Training and Javelin Computers. Organisers thanked voluntary staff for their help throughout the day.