WEST Devon's young footballers trained with top coaches from Devon Football Association, Plymouth Argyle's Centre of Excellence and Tavistock Community Football Club last week.

More than 230 budding 'Beckhams' enjoyed the football festival for pupils from nine Tavistock primary schools in years three and four. The event held at Tavistock College was run in partnership with West Devon Borough Council.

Hannah Colston, the council's leisure and recreation officer said: 'It's great that our young footballers are gaining access to such high quality coaching at such an early age. Many of the children were new to football and we hope that the fun they had will encourage them to get involved with Tavistock Community Football Club in the future.'

Tavistock College is also hosting the following football events throughout February: Half term football camps (age 8-12): February 13-14 and for age 8 and under on February 16; veterans five-a-side league (over 35s) on February 26; youth seven-a-side league (school years 10-11) on February 27.

A second football festival for enthusiasts in school years five and six is planned for May 29 -30, 2012 at Tavistock Community Football Club, and all 15 of the area's primary schools have been invited.

For more information contact Neil Jordain at West Devon Borough Council on [email protected]">[email protected] or on 07810 836268.