SOCCER fans at Burton Bradstock have revived the village football team after a gap of almost 25 years.

They're hoping the Canaries will get off to a flying start when they play their first competitive game in the Bridport five-a-side league on Sunday.

The village last had a soccer team in the 1979/80 season when it played in the Dorset League.

Its subsequent demise brought to an end a village footballing tradition that dated back to 1907 when the Canaries were first launched.

How they got their nickname is not recorded. The original team played in an amber and black strip.

Now the new squad, set up with the backing of the parish council and sponsorship from the Anchor Inn, will turn out in the same colours and play as the BBC - the Burton Bradstock Canaries.

Team manager Chris Lamble said: "The five-a-side team will be a springboard for developing a full blown 11-a-side team.

"Over the next year a number of friendly matches will be played in the village to galvanise support and rekindle interest in playing football for Burton Bradstock."

Helping Mr Lamble to resuscitate the Canaries has been village historian John Noonan and local resident Dave Dixon.

Anyone interested in playing for the BBCs should contact Mr Lamble on 01308 897095.