SOCCER star Earl Barratt was in Radcliffe on Sunday (Feb 10) to check out the local footballing talent.

The former Aston Villa, Everton and Oldham Athletic defender was at Asda to act as a scout.

He put youngsters aged under 13 through their paces in the store's car park.

The girls and boys took part in soccer skills tests in the hope of going through to the regional finals of the Fox Kids Cup 2002 challenge to be held at Mottram Hall in Cheshire later in the year.

Earl is pictured with (from left) Asda events co-ordinator Debbie Addison, Michael Murphy (10), Tom Rowland (11) and Callum Downes (12).

The best ten boys and best ten girls who are eventually chosen will go on to represent Team UK in the finals in Spain this Easter.