Spectators at Deepdale throughout the season will have seen numerous children from the Preston area compete in the Half-Time Schools Challenge.

On Saturday, St Stephen's Primary from Broadgate were crowned champions for the 2007/08 season after narrowly beating St Catherine's Primary of Leyland and Sherwood Primary from Fulwood in a dramatic final.

The five winning children were presented with the winners cup and a gold medal each from North End striker Chris Brown, who was forced to sit out Saturday's game with a thigh problem. The winning school also received seven season tickets for the 2008/09 season, another offer which outlines North End's commitment to offering affordable football to the next generation of PNE fans.

Community Development Manager Gary Robinson, who is seen regularly coordinating the challenge out on the Deepdale turf, said:

"It was an idea that the community department had when we sat down in pre-season. We've been working with the local schools now for over three years and it was an idea to get the children down to Deepdale to make them feel part of the club.

"St Stephen's Primary School were worthy winners because they had a difficult run to the final and had to play some great teams along the way.

"The final was of a high standard and there were some really skilful kids on display. It could have been one of three teams because we watched all those schools compete in our tournament earlier in year and we couldn't pick a favourite.

"The schools love it and the parents are proud to see their children out playing on Deepdale. We have been inundated for next season already and we are all looking forward to returning bigger and better after the summer break."

Any schools who want to find out more about taking part in next season's half-time challenge, please contact the Community Department on 0870 442 1964 or email community@pne.com