More than 90 local football teams made it the most successful Whitehaven AFC Lionesses and Lions Festival to date at the weekend.

The event initially began as a girls’ football tournament but this year it was expanded to bring in boys teams as well.

And organisers say it was a resounding success, with over 1,000 people passing through the club’s gates during the two days.

Boys teams from under-7 through to under-12 and girls from under-8 to under-14 were all in action.

The event also had entertainment for the players and young fans in the shape of bubble football and inflatables as well as sumo suits.

Organiser and lead Whitehaven AFC girls coach Rob Campbell said: “The event was a large success in my mind because of the fantastic volunteers who helped over the weekend and leading up to it.

“As the event organiser my aim was to provide a competitive but fun and friendly event in West Cumbria and I want to pay tribute to all the volunteers, teams who played and supporters who made it everything I imagined it would be.

“We’ve had numerous kind comments from teams to say how well organised it was and they can’t wait for next year, and we can’t wait to welcome them back in 2018 where we aim to make it bigger and better.

“Finally I’d like to thank our many sponsors and in particular the youth who gave up their free time to referee, pick litter, support adults on over roles.

“We have a number of youth programmes at the club to engage with them and help them build confidence and life skills and I am privileged to say they are at the heart of our club. We are lucky to have them.”

The event also saw two charity football games, one all-women and the other all-men, in aid of prostate and breast cancer charities.

Rob added: “Both were a huge success and we don’t have a final total as yet but we expect it to be approximately £800 to £1,000.”

U8 Girls: winner: Cockermouth and Penrith; runner-up: Whitehaven AFC Lionesses.

U10 Girls: winner: Cockermouth; runner-up: Dalton Braves.

U12 Girls: winner: Northbank 1970; runner-up; Whitehaven AFC.

U14 Girls: winner: Allerdale Girls; runner-up: Carlisle City.

U7 Boys: winner: Crusaders FC; runner-up: Seaton Village.

U8 Boys: winner: Workington Reds; runner-up: Whitehaven AFC Blues

U9 Boys: winner: Workington Juniors Reds; runner-up: Whitehaven Miners Blues.

U10 Boys: winner: Workington Whites; runner-up Workington Juniors.

U11 Boys: winner: Seaton United; runners-up Cleator Moor Celtic.

U12 Boys: winner: Cleator Moor Celtic; runner-up Whitehaven AFC Yellows.