GLENROSS Junior Football Club hosted its first ever tournament and it was a double delight for three local sides.

For Pendle Forest, Burnley Belvedere and Haslingden won six of the seven age groups between them, all scooping two titles apiece.

The inaugural event, held over two days at Haslingden Sports Centre, attracted teams from across the North West -- including more than 400 boys and girls competing in aged groups from Under Nines to Under 16s.

In the Under Eights category, the youngest age group of the weekend, Pendle Forest won the first of their two titles, beating Ighten Leigh 1-0.

For host side, Glenross, it was their first ever competition and the youngsters were determined to enjoy themselves. The team has been boosted by the Barclays Card/Football Foundation who have donated kit and equipment.

And while they did not reach the final, the team did themselves proud with some fine all-round performances.

Forest received the Connor Hurst Trophy, sponsored by the club in the youngster's name. And young Connor, chosen because he is a great little ambassador for Glenross, was there to hand over the trophy to the winning captain.

Forest's second success came in the Under 11s Community Police Cup where they were involved in an exciting final with Briercliffe, eventually running out 2-1 winners.

Burnley Belvedere's victories came in the Under Nines and Under 12s.

In the Under Nines B and E Boys Cup final, Belvedere beat Todmorden Colts 1-0 before beating Bury side, Brandlesholme 2-1 in the Under 12s Bob Watson Cup.

Haslingden and Glenross were involved in the most dramatic match of the weekend when the Under 10s final went all the way to a nail-biting penalty shoot-out.

After neither side could be separated after normal time, Haslingden won on spot kicks where Glenross's single miss proved to be enough to win the Fletcher Hardware Cup.

As well as the six boys age groups, the girls got the chance to contest the Under 15s Express Dairy Cup.

And the girls from Thornton proved to be a little too strong for Glenross as they won 3-0.

Janet Anderson, MP for Rossendale and Darwen handed out the awards.

Glenross secretary, Suzanne Brannan said that all the hard work was well worth it.

She said: "When you see all of those boys and girls playing football then all the hard work was worth it.

"We pride ourselves on working for the good of our children. The money we have raised goes back to them and the aim is to cut the cost of playing football."

Suzanne thanked parents for their help in making the club grow so quickly in recents years.

She added: "We started off so small and we couldn't have grown so fast without help from players and parents."

Suzanne also thanked all of the players and managers fo helping make the tournament such a big success and sponsors for their donations.

She also thanked Janet Anderson for braving the elements and Jetchem of Ramsbottom whose tent kept everyone dry on Saturday.