BURNLEY'S largest employer of disabled people aims to mark the 2003 European Year of Disabled People with a charity speed ball competition.

Six employees from Remploy Burnley will team up with 20 children from the under-nines football team Ightenhill Pumas on Monday for the event.

The youngsters are hoping to attract sponsorship and all money raised will be split between the junior club funds and Calder View special school in Burnley.

Remploy manager Steve Wellens said: "We wanted to mark the European Year of Disabled People in a practical way and thought the best way of doing this would be to try and raise some money for local good causes. We're delighted to have the football team along to help as some of our volunteers aren't as young as they used to be."

The competition will kick off at 2pm at Burnley's Turf Moor ground.

European Year of Disabled People aims to highlight equal rights for people with disabilities.

Campaigns throughout the year include 'Donate a Day,' when Remploy employees will donate time to work on community projects and the 'Double the Opportunities' challenge to businesses to create more employment opportunities for disabled people.

Mr Wellens said: "As well as supporting our speed ball competition I would like to take the opportunity to invite employers and businesses to contact Remploy."