POLICE officers in Burnley and Padiham swapped pounding the beat for playing on the field at the annual Neighbourhood Policing Football Competition.

A total of 32 teams of youths aged 11-14 and 14-17, as well as senior teams - including one consisting of Neighbourhood Police officers from Burnley and Padiham - competed in this year's tournament at the all- weather pitch in Towneley Park.

There were trophies for the winners of each group as well as a fair play award for one player in each group, each participant receiving medals.

Police Community Support Officer Dave Johnson who has organised the seven-a-side competition said: "The competition has always been successful drawing teams from a wide range of communities across Burnley and Padiham.

"However, this year, interest in the competition soared.

"It's always a fantastic event and it was better than ever this year."