CHIPPENHAM Town Youth attracted a bumper turnout for their fifth annual six-a-side tournament at the weekend with more than 100 teams from across the region flocking to Hardenhuish Park to take part.

The tournament included age groups from under sevens to under 14s, with two competitions for girls' teams taking place on Friday evening.

More than 3,500 people turned out in support of the event over the three days, providing the young members of the club's 11 teams with a huge boost ahead of the 2002/03 season.

The host club scooped their fair share of the silverware on offer, with Chippenham Town Youth taking the honours in the under 11s, under 12s and girls' under 14s competitions.

Chippenham Town Rangers beat Chippenham Town Youth 3-0 in the final of the under 13s event thanks to a Ben Butterworth hat-trick.

All odd numbered age groups took to the field on Saturday, with Croft Juniors breaking the host club's dominance with victory in the under nines event. Trowbridge Town were the highest achievers in the under sevens competition.

Even numbered age groups took their turn the following day. South Gloucester Boys won the under 14s competition, while Trowbridge Wanderers were victorious in the under 12s event after a 2-0 win over Corsham Boys in the final.

Amesbury Juniors and Castle Combe were the highest achievers in the under eights category.

The tournament took place on four pitches and prizes were presented by club chairman Phil Anteney, secretary Shirley Brown and tournament co-organiser Ali Anteney.

Mrs Anteney was delighted with the level of response the tournament received from clubs in the area.

She said: "It went very well and was our most successful tournament yet. There are two or three others on the same day in the area, but it is quite a small one and people seem to like that.

"It also ran to time for the first time ever this year, which pleased everybody. It is our biggest fundraiser of the year and we have to have a good turnout to keep us going through the year."

Devizes Town Youth will hold their annual tournament this weekend.

More than 160 teams have entered, and it begins with the girls under 12s and under 14s competitions tomorrow night. Boys' teams ranging from under sevens to under 14s will play on Saturday and Sunday.

FC Chippenham's annual six-a-side tournament takes place on May 18 and 19 at Westmead.