BARKSTON Ash Primary School's football team have been crowned English national champions after winning the finals of the English Schools FA Danone Nations Cup.

In matches played throughout the season the Tadcaster team earned the right to represent the north east in the finals day held at the home of Premier division Champions Leicester City’s King Power Stadium.

Barkston Ash made an impressive start securing seven points from a possible nine in the group stage to book their place in the knockout rounds.

In the semi-final came up against Caythorpe from Lincolnshire, winning 3-0, with both teams putting on a fantastic show.

The final against Kilham CE Primary from the East Riding saw some great football played but it remained goalless. The Tadcaster team triumphed in the penalty shootout making them the ESFA Danone Nations Cup National Champions.

As part of their prize the Barkston Ash players will celebrate with an open top bus tour around Tadcaster to thank the community for their support throughout the competition.

The team also won the backing of Tottenham, Liverpool and England centre back John Scales, ambassador of the Danone Nations Cup tournament who said: “Hats off to the team for an outstanding performance at the national finals, I watched several of their games including the thrilling final itself against and their performance more than earned them the victory.