North Walsham: World Cup heartbreak in Lauren Hemp's town

North Walsham Football Club was packed out as people came to support their local hero in the World Cup final against Spain.

Chants of "Hempo, Hempo, Hempo" echoed through the tightly-packed clubhouse, and it was nearly the fairytale start, as Hemp crashed a shot against the bar in the opening 15 minutes.

But it wasn't to be, as Spain took the lead before the half-hour mark, and despite England's best efforts, managed to hold on for a 1-0 victory.

Though England lost, many of the girls watching were "very proud" and said the Manchester City forward is their "idol" and "inspiration".

Lauren Hemp pictured walking past the World Cup trophy following the 1-0 defeat to Spain (Image: PA)

Millie and Elsa, who plays for North Walsham Under 13s Girls team, said Hemp was a "shining light".

Millie said: "I am proud of the girls they gave it everything and were really unlucky, it'd be a lie to say I'm not a bit heartbroken.

"I am quite mad really because we could have won that but the ref was very one-sided, many decisions went against us.

"But Hemp was awesome and on another day would have buried one of those chances, she was a shining light, but so many of the women were awesome too."

"So I'm just so happy that we made the final, going one step further than the men did, and also won the Euros, so we are proving people wrong.

"Hemp is our idol and a massive inspiration," Elsa said.

READ MORE: Hundreds turn out to see Lionesses star Lauren Hemp given freedom of town

There were tears among fans at the final whistle after England's 1-0 defeat (Image: Bruno Brown)

Steve Gibbs, the North Walsham Football Club chairman, was "delighted" to see so many people cheering on Hemp.

He said: “It’s a testament to Lauren and all the hard work she has put in over the years, staying focussed and making sacrifices along the way too, so she has deserved the spotlight.

“The whole town are all behind her, and always will be and it’s amazing to see. 

“We are a great community club, we are delighted for the kids to have something to aspire to, the fact they can see someone performing on a world stage from North Walsham is just fantastic."

READ MORE: Women's World Cup Final 2023 at Lauren Hemp's home club

Club chairman Steve Gibbs (left) and North Norfolk MP Duncan Baker were both proud of the Lionesses for their efforts despite defeat to Spain (Image: Bruno Brown)

Also in attendance to watch the Lionesses was North Norfolk MP Duncan Baker who said, without bias, he claims, Hemp was the player of the tournament.

Mr Baker said: "For me it was really important to be in my community to watch the game where Hemp started playing football.

"She has been the player of the tournament for England for me, so influential in the Lionesses' journey through the stages.

"Lauren must hold her head up with pride. She has put the town on the map and inspired so so many people here, so all credit to her.

“To be here and see so many people present is very special, it is a great community club, it is Lauren’s home and it is lovely to see so many here supporting her.

"She is very humble and we cannot wait to see her back in the town."

READ MORE: Lauren Hemp mural put up in Norfolk town of North Walsham

Tense final moments as England pushed for a last-gasp leveller which didn't come (Image: Bruno Brown)

READ MORE: Norfolk star Hemp plays key role as England reach World Cup final

Despondent faces after the Lionesses' defeat, though the North Walsham Girls are proud and inspired by their heroes (Image: Bruno Brown)

Cassie Beecroft, who is the youth secretary of North Walsham Football Club, says that participation levels at the club are growing in popularity in the women's game has grown.

She said: “We have 19 youth teams, four are girls only, 15 a mix of girls and boys. 

“We have another two female-only girls, just from the success of this we have had such a huge uptake of girl players. 

“Though it wasn't the result we all hoped for, I am absolutely buzzing to see Hemp in the final and we are hugely proud. 

"She is a great inspiration to so many, and on an individual level, as played amazing."

Meanwhile, Kensington Palace said the Prince and Princess of Wales and Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis watched the final together at home in Sandringham.

Lauren Hemp is hugely loved in Norfolk and has made the county proud (Image: Newsquest)

Optimism ahead of kick-off (Image: Bruno Brown)

The clubhouse was rammed with adoring spectators hoping for a fairy tale Lionesses victory (Image: Bruno Brown)