TENDRING'S Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers competed for silverware at their annual football competition.

Twenty-four teams took part, featuring more than 150 players aged six to 17, at FC Clacton's Rush Green Bowl.

They battled it out to secure their respective group title or just play for pride. The weather was kind and there was a big crowd of leaders, family members and friends on hand to give the players a cheer.

In the respective section finals, 1st Weeley beat 12th Clacton Tigers 6-3 in the Beavers final.

It meant they secured the cup for the fourth year running.

Elsewhere, 3rd Thorpe Cubs beat 1st Weeley on penalties and 1st Clacton Scouts defeated 12th Clacton 2-0.

Enigma Explorers pipped Phoenix on penalties to cap their first-ever competitive game at the competition.

The winning teams can now look forward to a matchday experience at Colchester United, including the chance to meet players, a stadium tour, free tickets and a mention in the programme, thanks to a generous donation from the U's.

The Explorer groups also helped out with the refereeing.

The competition featured teams from across the district, including scouts from Clacton, Weeley, Thorpe, Tendring, Oakley and Parkeston.

It raised in the region of £300 for district funds and afterwards thanks went to everyone who organised or supported the event, especially FC Clacton for lending the pitches, goals and facilities, various sports club coaches including Chris Tight, of Cannons 2006 Coaching, and Chris Simson, from Clacton Fire Service, who refereed every Beaver game, the Scouts final and the Explorers match.

A date has already been agreed for next - May 18, 2019.