THE Lacrosse World Cup opened on Saturday in a blaze of colour at Wycombe Abbey School.

The sixth women's Lacrosse World Cup began with a gala ceremony in the main arena at the school, attended by representatives of the Lacrosse teams taking part in the tournament.

Sue Redfern, World Cup coordinator, said: "The world cup organising committee has spent more than four years planning this event and we are delighted to have such a good a venue as Wycombe Abbey.

"We wanted somewhere where we could accommodate the players, be within walking distance of the pitches and we also wanted to be near London.

"In High Wycombe we found all these and I hope people share my view that the venue is magnificent. This ceremony marks a transition from planning to reality and I am very honoured to have been part of it."

Those watching had come from around the world to support the eight teams taking part from as far a field as Japan, Australia, Germany and the United States.

The teams, many carrying national flags, walked out onto the pitch at the school in Marlow Hill, High Wycombe, to loud applause from spectators.

The largest cheer though was reserved for the host nation England, with High Wycombe player Anita Thorose led out by her captain, 34-year-old Sarah Butt.