AN annual football tournament aimed at promoting racial harmony among children kicks off this weekend.

And this year police plan to talk informally to youngsters during half-time breaks to challenge any prejudices they may have.

Some 150 white and Asian children have signed up for the event, which starts on Sunday and continues throughout the summer at Witton Park pitches, Blackburn.

They have been placed into mixed-race teams for under 10s, 12s, 14s and 16s by the event organisers from Audley Community Centre, and the police.

The competition will be settled by several cup finals staged at -- if negotiations are successful -- Blackburn Rovers' Ewood Park or Brockhall training ground.

Sergeant Paul Goodall said: "We are looking to speak on an informal basis to the children and challenge behaviour, and make them think about aspects of community cohesion.

"The police have been involved in the competition for several years, as we realised it was a good way to build bridges. It helps us interact with the children in a different role. An officer will go down every Sunday and help put the goalposts up and maybe do a spot of refereeing."