Soccer players from Picklenash Junior School are determined to hold on to one of the most prestigious six-a-side trophies in Gloucestershire.

And to prove it, the Newent youngsters have two teams through to the semi-finals of the annual Wilden Cup contest.

The Year Six "A Team " from Picklenash lifted the trophy last year, as victors in a competition that annually attracts up to 40 schools from around the county.

This year, headteacher Jon Thomas decided to enter a "B Team" as well, for the experience, and drew on younger players, from Year Five.

He said: "Actually, the B Team is playing against teams whose members are one year older."

Despite this, after battling through the rounds, both the A and B squads will find themselves in the semi-finals on January 25, with the older children taking the field at Coleford, against a team still to be announced, and the B-side playing at Cinderford.

Mr Thomas said: "We're very proud of them. This is one of the biggest trophies for junior schools in the county."

The Wilden Cup is sponsored by the Forest of Dean accountancy firm that gave the trophy its name, and backed by the Forest of Dean District Council.

The final this year will take place at the Whitecross Leisure Centre, on February 15.