The long arm of the law could not save Bedfordshire Police's star XI losing 3-1in a community football match last weekend.

Attracting a crowd of around 250 people, the squad of officers lined up against Putnoe All Stars at Mark Rutherford School in Bedford on Sunday, raising £300 for local projects.

Age and experience saw the police's star XI hold their own in the first 45 minutes, resulting in a goalless scoreline at half-time.

But Putnoe's youth and energy, all players were aged between 16 and 19 years, paid off in the second half as they fired three past Bedfordshire's boys in blue.

PC Darren Murphy, from the Putnoe and Goldington safer neighbourhood team and the police squad's manager, was gracious in defeat but already looking for a rematch.

He said: "The match itself was played with a great deal of passion and sportsmanship, and the police are already gearing up for a return match. It was a credit to everyone involved that it went so well.

"We hope this is the first in a long line of community events which show Bedfordshire Police working closely with those people of all ages living in the Goldington and Putnoe area."

Putnoe All Stars were presented with the coveted winners' trophy, the Goldington Community Cup, by footballing legend and director of football at Peterborough United, Barry Fry, and received their winners medals from MK Dons goalkeeper Nathan Abbey.

All the money raised will go towards constructing a roof for the Church Lane basketball court. The event also provided an opportunity for officers to build a relationship with youngsters and improve community spirit.

Contact the safer neighbourhood team on 01234 275229, or the anti-social behaviour reduction co-ordinator on 01234 275260.