Footballers from Herne Bay Junior School had a day out to remember at Gillingham’s Priestfield stadium at the weekend.

The squad represented the league two club in the area final of the nPower Community Kids Cup last month, where they finished runners up. First team midfielder Luke Rooney congratulated the team and presented them with a signed team photo before their game with Hereford United on Saturday.

The Year 6 team represented the club after beating 35 other schools in the Kent finals of the competition. Their prize as county champions was a place in the southern area finals held at Wycombe Wanderers' training ground last month.

In the group stage, they beat Aldershot and Torquay before a goalless draw with Oxford United helped them qualify for the semi-finals. Two late goals against Stevenage saw them through to a final with Barnet, which they eventually lost 2-0 on penalties.

Team manager David Vellani said: "These boys are an exceptional talent.

"They can call themselves one of the best team in southern England and Wales and we have also forged a great link with Gillingham Football Club that we can foster."