YOUNG footballers from Kelvedon St Mary's Primary School are celebrating after booking their place in the national final of the English Schools Football Association Danone Nations Cup.

Having earned their place at the regional finals at Dartford after seeing Essex success, the Kelvedon St Mary's youngsters have now gone one better and taken a step closer to playing in the international stage of the competition for children aged ten to 12.

The winners of the English national tournament will go on to represent their country at the Danone Nations Cup world final, which is an international event involving children from 32 countries around the world.

Kelvedon's team tasted further success at the regional finals when they went through the day unbeaten as they conceded just one goal and booked their national final spot with a 1-0 win against a school representing Inner London in the semi-finals and then won the final on a penalty shootout.

The venue for the national final is still be be announced, but the school are very proud of their pupils' achievement.

Andrew Faithfull, who is senior leader at the school and also coaches and manages the football team, said: "To win the regional finals is an unbelievable achievement - I am very proud of the team.

"The children looked so relaxed on the day and played with confidence and a smile on their faces.

"The team received great support from their parents and grandparents, which spurred them on."