AFTER 30 years of playing women's football at the top level Garswood Saints have decided to hang up their boots.

The club, which was formed in 1976 and played in the Merseyside League, the North West League, the FA Combination League and the FA Premier League, will have a final send off later this month.

The Saints were giants of the women's game making the prestigious FA Cup Final four times in the 80s, winning it in 1979-80.

Among other honours, they were Merseyside Division 1 Champions for three years running from 1978-80, twice Merseyside Cup Winners and NW League Division 1 Champions.

In recent years they were NW League Premier Division winners in 2004-05.

The pioneers of the women's game were also the first English Women's team to play in the European Clubs Cup, being losing finalists in 1980-81.

Club founder Chris Slater would like to thank all players, officials and supporters who have contributed to their success over the thirty years.

Also she is inviting all ex-players and officials to a reunion on Saturday 16 September, starting 8pm.

Because of a fire at their Garswood clubhouse, the event will take place at Greenall's Club, Alder Hey Road, which was ironically their first base. Admission is free.