DARWEN-based WEC Group Ltd has announced it will continue to sponsor the Darwen End Stand at Ewood Park.

The metal fabrication and engineering company have renewed a deal first struck in 2009.

Wayne Wild, director of the WEC Group: "We have decided to renew our continuous sponsorship of the WEC Group Darwen End for another season as a sign of this commitment.

“Our brand awareness has been greatly boosted locally since we became an official sponsor of the team, and this has enabled us to highlight our business growth using our partnership.”

In recent years, club stars have made guest appearances at the company’s annual Apprentice of the Year awards ceremonies, to the delight of their young apprentices.

Mr Wild added: “As a lifelong Rovers supporter and WEC Director it gives me great personal pride for our business to be associated with such a great and historic club.

“Like all supporters, we are hoping for an exciting and successful season ahead and will support the team unreservedly."