PRESTON Industrial Copolymers Limited (ICL) has sponsored the promising young football team, Bamber Bridge Junior football club's under 13's.

The company, based on London Road sponsors the team which are the former champions of the Central Lancashire Junior League and runners-up of the Pontins Championship.

They are also the winners of several local five-a-side competitions.

The sponsorship money has been used to purchase training tops.

ICL's Purchasing Manager, Mike Gardner, whose son Daniel is a defender for the team, said:" We are making concerted efforts to support the local community.

"Our sponsorship of this football team forms a part of our efforts to achieve this aim.

"We intend to form a close relationship with the team over the next three years, until the players reach under 16's level, at which point it is hoped that many will continue to play adult football at a high level."

The company manufactures a range of products used in sports applications including rubber crumb running tracks around football pitches and shock pads underneath artificial football and hockey pitches.

The company's products are also used to make children's safety play surfaces. Reports on local football, swimming, BMX racing and more on Sport Extra on Page 35