A LANE End school football team, which was only started this year, took part in a football tournament in France.

The team from Lane End Primary School travelled to the village's twin town, St Pierre d'Oleron, a French island and holiday resort on the Atlantic coast near Spain.

The French Twinning Association invited the Lane End Twinning Association and the school to join them in this World Cup year for the annual football competition, which includes schools and junior clubs in the region.

The Lane End football team was only started this year and the boys and girls are aged eight to 11.

Many of them had never been abroad before but they travelled 800 miles to represent England in a stadium with 25 French and German teams.

Headteacher Debbie Williams said: "This is the first team we have had for some years. Taking part in an international competition in France was a huge opportunity. The children were fantastic from the moment they left. They demonstrated their skills and they showed incredible determination and tenacity.

"They held their heads up high. Not only did they learn about teamwork, they also developed their communication skills by making new friends with the French teams which was lovely to see. It was a fantastic experience for all of us".

The competition at the weekend began with a league, followed by a knockout tournament. The other teams had played together for a long time and were all 10 and 11-years-old. Lane End played four French teams in the earlier stages and came 14th out of the 26 teams, and were one of the few teams to win a goal from the eventual champions. They won a category cup and a banner.

While staying on the island they were given a tour and saw the lighthouse, oyster farming and the huge fish market.

Phil Mann, chairman of the Lane End Twinning Association, said: "Ever since Lane End established links with St Pierre, it has been the association's wish to facilitate a trip for Lane End primary School to the island.

"The success of this event is beyond our wildest dreams". The trip was made possible by support from Wycombe District and Lane End Parish Councils, the school parents and village businesses including The Grouse and Ale, who provided a picnic for the party on the journey.