Instead of London Road, the teams played in a five-a-side tournament at the Chestnuts Centre, in Norman Road, watched by Peterborough United favourites Jamie Day, Chris Whelpdale and Shane Blackett.

They went along to support the event, which was part of the police and city council initiative Making a Difference Week – launched last year to kick-start sustained community action against crime, anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping and other problems in areas around Peterborough.

Organiser, neighbourhood police team Police Community Support Officer Luke Kennedy said the event had exceeded expectations.

He said: "It was great to see people from all different backgrounds taking part.

"Obviously everyone wanted to play the police team, but it went really well and there was a great atmostphere.

"To get eight teams was brilliant, and we were really pleased with the turn-out. The week of action was really busy and, as a whole, went very well."

The teams were split into two groups of four, with the top two progressing to the semi-finals and then the final.

The winning team was made up of youngsters from Saxon Road, who had been organised by local football stalwart Stan Green, and were known as the "orange bibs".

They received a signed football from Peterborough United, and the runners-up walked away with a trophy.