GIRLS dreaming of being the next Lionesses have won the backing of their local community.

Huntington Rovers Under 11 Girls squad have benefited from England's victory in the Women's European Football Championships this summer.

It is the latest sign that the Lionesses success is boosting female football at grassroots level.

The girls team only started up a year ago and had no kit or equipment. They have been raising funds ever since.

This weekend, they raised £1.870 through a sponsored walk. They have also set up a gofundme page and got sponsors.

Team fundraiser Faye Laverack said: "After the women won the Euros, people really started to want to help"

Yesterday the girls walked a distance of 8 km or 5 mile starting in Rowntree Park and ending at Huntington Sports Club in North Lane, Huntington.

They were not deterred by the change in the weather.

"The girls were amazing and even in torrential rain managed to complete the walk collecting a few more sponsors along the way!" said Faye.

All the girls are of primary school age and are keen footballers.

They initially set a target of £300 for the gofundme page. Today donations stand at £570.

The page is https://www.gofundme.com/f/huntington-rovers-under-11-girls-team