A CHILDREN'S football tournament is set to kick off on Verdin Fields next summer.

The soccer festival hopes to raise money towards a local youth development scheme.

Town councillors have welcomed the event which takes place on Saturday, July 20 and July 27, 2019.

Town clerk Mark Bailey told members at a meeting on Monday that organisers will use cones to set up four or five pitches so no paint lines will be needed.

Refreshments stalls will serve a selection of food and drink and a dedicated litter picking team will remove all the rubbish.

Mr Bailey said: "Any damage to the pitches will be paid for by the organisers."

He said that the fields are for the use of the whole community not just teams who play on a regular basis. Teams who frequently use the fields are notified of applications when they are submitted.

The first Saturday will host teams aged under seven and older children up the age of 10 will compete on the second Saturday.

Cllr Mike Kennedy said: "I think this tournament is an excellent idea."