A girls football team have written themselves in to the record books – and it is there for all to see in black and white!

Rossendale Mavericks and pupils from Fearns High School have earned a place in the Guinness Book of Records after staging the longest ever girls football match.

The girls round-the-clock efforts have appeared in the new edition of the famous old book - much to the delight and relief of all concerned.

“We are delighted to be in the book,” said Debbie Pope who helped organise the 24-hour football match. “All the girls have bought a copy and while we were disappointed in not getting a team photograph in the book, we are all thrilled.”

The marathon match, which lasted a total of 24 hours and 30 minutes, was staged to raise the profile of girls football and also raise funds for two charities.

More than £1300 was raised which was split between NSPCC and Marie Curie Care - charities which were chosen by the girls.

The Mavericks Under 17s team, managed by Debbie's husband Andy and play in the North Valley Youth League, joined forces with Fearns Year 11 pupils and played in mixed teams.

The football match itself kicked off a 9pm before the final whistle blew at 9.30pm the following evening with an astonishing total of 649 goals scored.

It was played to FA rules with each player required to take five minutes rest for every hour they played.

Debbie thanked British Aerospace, Tufties Hairdressers, Phil Cobb Drylining and Bollin Valley Water Coolers for their support while the FA, Blackburn Rovers and Burnley all donated prizes.