Preston North End are the champions of England!

That's the state of play in the world of girls' under 14 football, where the PNE starlets have just tasted success in the weekend's Tesco Cup English national finals at Leicester City's Walkers Stadium.

Having been nominated as Lancashire's representatives in the original northern area regional finals, the girls saw off that challenge and triumphed in the qualifying heats held in Wythenshaw.

Having also just finished as runners-up in their regular league competition, the girls travelled to the East Midlands full of confidence, and their day got off to the best possible start with a 3-0 victory over eastern area representatives Cambridge City in the semi final - the goals coming from Jess Clayton, Danielle Jackson and Holly Parkinson.

It meant a final against southern winners Herongate, from Essex, and despite going a goal down early on, PNE rallied to take the crown.

Mel Ball levelled the tie after being picked out expertly by Laura Walmsley, before Jess Clayton laid the ball into the path of Sasha Hawksworth to fire in the Lilywhites' winner in extra time as North End ran out 2-1 winners.

After being presented with the trophy and having their photo taken with England legend Peter Shilton, there was further joy for the team to take in when Mel Ball was named 'forward of the tournament', while Jess Clayton took the title of 'midfielder of the tournament'. It followed on from Jasmin Elliot's 'goalkeeper of the tournament' award in the northern heats.

It means that the girls have another exciting test to come, as they head forward to the British finals to take on the best of Northern Ireland (Northern Belles), Scotland (Celtic) and Wales (Mardy Juniors) this Sunday at the City of Manchester Stadium.

Proud parent Maggie Walmsley, mother of Laura, told PNE.com:

"It's unbelievable that the girls firstly got to play at the Walkers Stadium, and now we're off to the City of Manchester Stadium too.

"The whole team has played fantastically well, and deserve all the success they've achieved so far.

"There's three coaches setting off from Preston on Sunday to cheer the girls on, and we'd be delighted if any other North End fans could make the trip to cheer on the girls."

PNE will take on Northern Irish side Northern Belles in the semi final of the 'Home Nations' finals, with the game kicking off at 12.15pm. Should PNE make the final against the winners of the Scottish and Welsh semi, that fixture would kick-off at 3.15pm.

Entry to the event is free, and all PNE fans are welcome to make their way to Eastlands to cheer on the girls. Players, coaches and supporters of other PNE girls teams are currently being contacted with regards to travel arrangements from Deepdale thanks to Tesco's offer of three free coaches to transport the team to Manchester. The players and coaching staff are expected to depart from Deepdale at 9am, with two supporters' coaches leaving at 10am.

Good luck girls!