TWO local teams are hoping to write themselves in to the record books and raise the profile of girls football.

Rossendale Mavericks and Fearns Community Sports College will attempt to stage a 24-hour football match and earn a place in the Guinness Book of Records.

The two teams will play a nine-hour taster match this weekend in preparation for their record attempt next month which will also raise funds for the NSPCC and Marie Curie Care.

Debbie Pope, secretary of the Mavericks said: "At the moment there is a gap between the younger teams and senior teams and this is something we want to highlight.

"We thought of a number of ways to raise the profile of girls football and it was my daughter Rhian who suggested we tried to get in to the Guinness Book of Records.

"We know it is going to be pretty tough but all the girls are really looking for to it."

While there is currently no record for the longest girls football match, Debbie revealed the club had to write a detailed application form to get the go-ahead for their marathon attempt.

"There are some very strict rules to follow and our attempt has to be verified before it stands," said Debbie whose team play in the North Valley Youth League. "As there is no record for a girls football match, we were given the guideline of 24 hours so we are going to attempt to set that then beat it by another 30 minutes."

The Mavericks Under 17s team, which mainly consists of 15 and 16-year-old will join forces with Fearns Year 11 pupils in mixed teams who will both play in the colours of NSPCC and Marie Curie.

Squads of eight players will play a continuous five-a-side match at Fearns sports hall with roll-on, roll-off subs under the watchful eye of witnesses, medical staff and supporters The match will be played to FA rules with each player required five minutes rest for each hour they play.

The club and the school are hoping to raise more than a £1,000 for charity and are looking for the support of local sponsors.

Debbie said: "We have contacted a number of local companies but so far we have had little response. We are also desperate for witnesses to help us achieve this record and any help would be most welcome."

Anyone who would like to sponsor the record breaking attempt or act as a witness, contact Debbie Pope on 07870 461731.