JUNIOR footballers with police team Lancon FC will be watching the World Cup with added interest this year.

That's because their honorary president Colin Hendry will lead the Scottish team into the world's greatest footballing spectacle - as captain of the Scottish World Cup squad.

And the Blackburn Rovers defender will take the players' best wishes to France following the club's annual presentation evening last month.

Colin (pictured with club members) busily signed autographs when more than 200 players and their families met at Penwortham's Priory High School.

He was clearly impressed with the dedication and team spirit of the boys who play in some of Lancashire's most successful teams, as was Assistant Chief Constable John Vine who represented club president Assistant Chief Constable (designate) Gerry O'Connell.

MC was Andy Peebles from Radio Lancashire, who added his own brand of humour to the evening which saw not only the players but also officers, parents and sponsors praised for their support both on and off the field.

Now, the search is on for new players in the under 10,12,13,14 and 15 teams.

Positions are open to players from all over Lancashire - they don't need to be connected with the police or support staff but must be able to train at Police HQ every week and play on Sundays.

For more details, contact Karen Phoenix on 01772 748564.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.