JUNIOR footballers in Darwen have raised £15,000 to fund a trip to America where they will represent England.

Akzo Nobel's under-15s Green Team were invited to take part in the prestigious Dallas Cup competition next month.

They have now reached their target amount and have also received a new England strip sponsored by local restaurant Lee's Cantonese.

The group have held a number of fundraising events to reach their target including a Sportsman's Dinner, a sponsored walk and a race night.

The majority of the cash has been donated by local and international businesses.

They included Cobble Blackburn Ltd, Akzo Nobel Ltd, GHW, Lloyd Trust, Padiham Glass, Veka, the Leach Charity, GAP, Interface Northern Ireland, Future Forwarding and Northern Carbide Specialists.

The team, who play in the Accrington and District Sunday League, will set off to the States on April 7 after being chosen because of their success in recent competitions.

Paul Boardman, who coaches the under 17s and one of the under 15s team, said: "Of particular help to the team has been the fantastic support from local businesses and charitable organisations to whom the boys would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you."