A squad of police officers have copped a thrashing by a team of ex-offenders in a one-off charity match.

Met police officers squared up to the 15-strong team as part of a friendly football match designed to help ex-offenders turn their lives around.

The match, which ended 10-1 to reformed offenders, was hosted by the Youth Empowerment Academy at Harris Academy, Mitcham, on November 2.

Saidi Kawooya, co-founder of the charity and an ex-convict, said: "I know the effect it can carry growing up on your typical council estate with a single parent from school to college.

"I am now looking to become an established entrepreneur.

"From this event I’m looking to change and inspire those all taking part to go on to have a successful future."

Councillor Maxi Martin, Merton council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said: "It’s great to see the police and ex-offenders coming together to do something very positive and worthwhile.

"With potential employers and training providers attending the match, occasions like this could really help to turn the lives of these young people around."