Football tournament gets pupils on side

Officers from the Pemberton Neighbourhood Policing Team are set to hold their 7th annual schools football tournament.*

It will take place at the JJB Soccerdome on Challenge Way, Marsh Green, Wigan between 10am and 4pm on Friday 27 June.

The event, which is sponsored by Wigan Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Order Unit, Heinz, and Asda Distribution will host 240 children aged between nine and 11 from 24 primary schools across the borough.

PC Barry White of the Pemberton Neighbourhood Policing Team said:

“This event has proved to be a great success in previous years because it’s an effective way of introducing police officers to their local community. We hope that the children, and anyone else attending the event, will see us in a more positive light and understand that we are keen to engage with the public.”

If you have a neighbourhood policing issue in Pemberton, please contact your local neighbourhood policing team on 0161 856 7188.

To report a crime call 0161 872 5050 or report it online at www.gmp.police.uk (external link)

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Note to editors:

* The event is named the John Heaton Trophy Schools Football Tournament. John Heaton is a well-respected retired police officer who now lives outside the Wigan borough. John and his wife Linda attend this event every year and help to present the trophies and medals to the children who take part.

For further information contact: Max Bowie, GMP Public Relations Officer, on 0161 856 2761 / 2284 or 07979 706797