The Express & Echo is to stage its own World Cup for schools, creating a local version of the event to coincide with the real thing in Germany.

The Exeter daily has signed up 32 schools to take part, and will kick-off with its own ‘live draw’ when each school will be given its own qualifying team to represent.

Pupils will then be asked to put together a project all about their selected country, with the results published in a special 36-page supplement on June 12, two days after England’s opening World Cup match.

Some of those taking part will also be able to take their turn on the pitch, in a seven-a-side football tournament.

And, just like the real thing, press photographers will be on hand to capture the whole event for a 16-page supplement to be published on June 19.

Editor Marc Astley said the community event would tap into one of the biggest spectacles on earth, and encourage children to learn about other cultures.