A PARTY of 30 rugby-mad Andover youngsters travelled to Twickenham to see the record-breaking match between England and Romania.

The English Rugby Football Union donated the tickets for the boys who had taken part in a pioneering project run by Testway Housing to cut vandalism on the estates.

The Testway 7s, was a joint venture run during the summer holidays between Andover Rugby Club and Testway Housing, giving youngsters a positive focus during the holidays.

They were also rewarded for their commitment and good behaviour with flights in light aircraft and a trip in a white stretch limo once used by Madonna.

The ground-breaking project - which was jointly funded by Testway Housing and the Hospital Savings Association, and the Andover Lions Club - saw rugby training taken to seven estates in the town.

The English RFU, rugby's governing body, is so impressed with the scheme they are looking at introducing it elsewhere in the country, even nationwide. Nick Fry, Testway Housing director of housing services, said: "We are delighted with the success of the Testway 7s initiative which shows that kids are keen to play an active part in sport when given the opportunity."