POLICE have praised football fans in South Cheshire after England's first World Cup match on Saturday passed off trouble-free.

Thousands of supporters packed out pubs and clubs across the region to watch the game as David Beckham and the team got off to a winning start in Group B thanks to Paraguayan captain Carlos Gamarra who headed into his own net after three minutes to hand England a 1-0 victory.

Detective Sergeant Pete Sweeney at Crewe's Special Investigation Unit said he was pleased with how fans behaved.

He said: 'It was a great start to the tournament for the team and for us because the weekend was trouble-free.

'It is good to know that people were sensible and it goes to show that fans can enjoy themselves and have a drink and watch the match and behave properly. I hope it can carry on throughout the tournament.'

Paul Halligan, landlord of The Earl on Nantwich Road in Crewe, said customers enjoyed a real carnival atmosphere.

He said: 'We provided people with face paints and gave away 200 inflatable World Cups.

'Everyone really enjoyed the day and had a great time and it was trouble-free.'

Staff and regulars at the Railway Hotel in Nantwich enjoyed a host of events throughout the day including World Cup-themed quizzes.

Manager Nigel Humphreys said he had been looking forward to Saturday's game since February and everything went as planned.

He said: 'It was a fantastic day for everybody who came along to watch the match.

'It was a great result and such a party atmosphere.

'We had the football on our two big screens and we gave away free chip butties at half time to keep the fans well fed and we also ran quizzes with beer as a prize and gave away T-shirts.'