SOUTHAMPTON construction firm Mostlane is building business and sporting links with Poland.

The Eastleigh firm has already bought a piece of land close to Kalisz which it plans to develop into a holiday complex and next week it is taking a team of youngsters to the region for a football tournament.

"Its all about building relations with the Polish region and while the football is being played we will be meeting other businesses and the local mayor about our business plans," said Mostlane director Richard Piatkiewicz.

"We are also taking representatives from Elliott Brothers and Britannia Shutters while Home James are providing the coach and will be looking into opportunities for themselves in Poland."

The three-day tournament features teams from Poland, Germany, France and the Sarisbury Sparks and is set to be a high profile event.

"The mayor is delighted to have attracted a British company to invest in the region and other youth teams from Europe so it's a big event."

Mostlane, which sponsors the football team, says it is delighted to be able to combine its business efforts with the football. "The region is trying to build up its profile as a tourist area and our development plans for holiday homes forms part of the overall plan for the region," said Mr Piatkiewicz.

Mostlane already has outline planning permission for apartments, hotel and swimming pool complex and will be taking detailed drawings to Poland for a local architect to complete planning work and apply for the final permssion needed.

"We expect to start building in the Autumn and there is a three year building programme for the whole site, depending on how fast we can sell and rent the first phase."

The 17 players and parents taking part in the trip will be waved off from Southampton Civic Offices next Wednesday.

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