Young Swindon footballers lost match against French visitors but left the pitch with their sporting pride intact.

Around 14 local eight to 14-year-olds took part in the junior football match, held at Lydiard Millicent's sports field over the weekend.

They tested their skills against children from Tessy-Sure Vire in Normandy, which is twinned with Lydiard Millicent and Lydiard Tregoze.

The match ended 0-0 but the English lost after a penalty shoot-out.

Kevin Letellier, 11, from Tessy-Sure Vire, said: "I like Swindon. The sun is a big surprise and we were pleased to win."

His friend Andrew Merle was equally enthusiastic about the town. He said: "I am enjoying the weather and I like the English girls here."

A match for the children's parents proved more triumphant when the English won 3-0.

The footballers were part of a 60-strong party from France, who stayed in Swindon for four days.

Robbie Farnham, 11, from Lydiard Millicent, said: "It has been great. The French are well mannered and we all had fun."

The exchange visits have been running for the past 12 years.

Bob Penfold, chairman of the Lydiard Twinning Association, said: "It is lovely to have the French to stay. They have enjoyed lots of activities, including a day out in Windsor."