FOOTIE fanatics from East Lancashire have begun their bid to smash a world record - and they have started well.

The team will aim to stage the longest ever game of five-a-side football by beating the current record of 70 hours three minutes and play for 75 hours.

And the team started their challenge, which is taking place at Roefield Leisure Centre in Clitheroe over three days, on Thursday at 10am and they aim to finish at 1pm on Sunday.

The team is made up of 16 players, with five on each team and six substitutes.

Rick Blackburn, who has organised the event with David Potts, manager of Roefield Leisure Centre, said the record bid was going well so far.

He said: "The pace of the game started really quick but it's started to drop off a bit as you'd expect.

"But we're looking good so far."

The group must complete the challenge in front of independent witnesses and FA qualified referees working in shifts to enter the Guinness Book of World Records.

And for every hour the players complete, they are allowed a five minute rest before going back on.

They would be able to have 30 minutes off if they can get through a whole six-hour block.

Mr Blackburn, a charity worker from Clitheroe, added: "We're just trying to go a certain amount of time without a break, so we can save up for another one.

"But it's all for a good cause so we're determined to do it."

David Potts, manager of Roefield Leisure Centre, said: "It's been great so far and we just need to keep it up which I'm sure we'll do."

The group hope to raise over £10,000 for the Foundation for Ribble Valley Families where Mr Blackburn currently works.

The charity aims to help vulnerable families and young people around the area by boosting their emotional health and well-being.

A fun day will take place at the leisure centre from 12pm to 4pm on Sunday and it is hoped that it will coincide with the team completing the challenge.