Red carpet for young football fans

West Ham United plays a "vital role in the community"

Children and community groups have been watching their favourite football team in style thanks to a trial scheme.

Newham Council, in east London, has spent £12,000 giving children in care, sports groups and community organisations the chance to see West Ham United from one of its exclusive boxes.

The trial ran between January and May 2002 - now councillors will be considering whether to extend the scheme at a meeting in July.

But union leaders, who represent many of the council's staff, say the idea is a waste of money.

'Rewarding performance'

Council spokesman Ian Tompkins said: "It was a trial scheme to see if it was worth doing.

"I'm writing a report for the council for a meeting in July to set out what has been done and discuss whether it's worth continuing with.

"It hasn't been used for private use. It was aimed at rewarding performance and achievement of children, sheltered housing tenants and other community groups.

"It gives sections of the community an opportunity to do something they otherwise couldn't."

Mr Tompkins said West Ham United played a huge part in the life of the community.

"Every fortnight it attracts 35,000 people to games and they go on to spend money in the area," he said.

Andrew Dodgshon of the Transport and General Workers' Union said: "It is poignant that while we are balloting members for strike action over a 3% pay offer the council is spending council taxpayers money in this way."