LADYBRIDGE FC held a double celebration when they welcomed Dutch "twin" club SV Marvilde.

The Dutch side visited to mark 25-years since Ladybridge was founded by chairman Steve Hill in 1989.

It was also the official opening ceremony of the club’s new state-of- the-art 3G facility at their home ground in Lostock.

The celebrations started on Thursday, when 50 children and coaches from SV Marvilde arrived and took part in games against Ladybridge sides.

The following day the Dutch visitors viewed the local sights, including a tour of the Reebok Stadium and the National Football Museum.

Later in the afternoon and evening there were more games between SV Marvilde and Ladybridge as well as other local sides.

Mr Hill said: “What a fantastic, nostalgic and thoroughly enjoyable three days at the club. A culmination of all the hard work, ‘Labor Omnia Vincit’ from supporters of Ladybridge FC.

“During the last 25 years the club has gone from strength to strength and has built up a great reputation in the county.

“Plans are already underway to take three teams to visit the Netherlands next year.

“The club also welcomes applications for membership, please contact me for details of opportunities for players and volunteer coaching roles.”

Bolton West MP Julie Hilling said: “What a fantastic achievement by everyone at Ladybridge. The volunteers have worked so hard and raised so much money to make this happen.

“I would like to say thank you to everyone for all the excellent work that Ladybridge is doing for children and young people in the area.”