FOOTBALL fanatic youngsters have thanked generous shoppers for helping to send them on a trip to Spain.

Twenty eight young people from St Columba's High School packed bags for customers at the Port Glasgow Tesco store on Saturday to raise money for a visit to Valencia FC.

The pupils will go the La Liga club's football training academy next year.

Ahead of the trip, the children raised funds for items such as kit and a match ticket to a Valencia first team game.

Lindsay McGurk, faculty head of health and wellbeing at the school, says it promises to be an amazing opportunity for the youngsters.

She told the Tele: "A group of 28 pupils will be attending the Valencia training academy next year from the 6-9 September.

"The pupils were bag packing to raise funds for extra items during their stay.

"The trip will involve daily training sessions with first team Valencia coaches, a trip to the Mestalla Stadium, the team playing against a local side and cultural visits."

To prepare for the trip, the pupils will also learn Spanish.

Ms McGurk added: "The pupils will receive Spanish lessons and do weekly training in the lead up to the trip."

The pupils are keen to thank all the customers who kindly donated cash at Saturday's bag pack.