TV soccer celebrity Gabby Yorath has launched a brand new football initiative for young people with special needs which aims to attract young people from special schools in Evesham.

The area has several special schools, including Green Hill School and The Vale of Evesham School.

The Interoute Cup - to be launched by Yorath as part of the launch of the company's gotalk! home telephone service - will be fought for by hundreds of teams from special schools throughout the United Kingdom, with winners from each of the four home nations including England.

Winners of the final - which organisers hope to hold at a top football venue in the country - will receive their trophy from the glamorous TV star and all those taking part will receive a signed certificate from Gabby Yorath.

The championship will also include a five-a-side tournament for girls and a penalty shoot-out featuring 'Top Guns' from any special school which wants to take part.

It is the first time additional competitions like these have been organised for your people with learning disabilities.

"Youngsters with special needs enjoy sport and football as much as anyone and the Interoute Cup will give them a super championship where they can display their skills," she said.

"There's something for everyone and the emphasis is on fun. I would like to encourage everyone who can take part to do just that."

The deadline for entries is September 29. Information will be circulated to all special schools in the region with entry forms for the events well in advance of that date.

Further information and an entry pack are available by contacting the Interoute Cup Information Office on 0800 097 7150.