YOUNG "tigers" from Elms Bank High roared into action for their first football friendly.

The mixed team of players, who have mild learning disabilities, competed under the banner Bury Tigers for the first time, and are now fully kitted out for the future.

Opponents for the friendly match were under-14s side Springs, from Bury's Springs Estate.

Although the Tigers lost, they did manage to bag five goals. Their player of the match was female striker Terri Eastwood, who scored a hat-trick.

Yvonne Hall, Bury disability sports co-ordinator, said: "They've never had a proper game as the Bury Tigers before, and I was very pleased. It was a very mature match."

Just two days later, a new strip was also unveiled for the Tigers, sponsored by the Mayor of Bury, Councillor Paul Nesbit.

And pictured sporting the new soccer gear is 13-year-old pupil David Jackson with mayoress Mrs Shirley Nesbit alongside.

The team who played in last year's Greater Manchester Youth Games are now hoping to arrange fixtures against learning-disability teams from across the county.

School headteacher Ms Lynn Lines said: "The support that we've had has been exceptional, and has provided more opportunities for the children to play in tournaments and friendlies away from school.

"The fact that they have nice strips to wear is obviously going to boost their self-esteem."