AN ELECTRICAL contractors firm has announced that they will sponsoring their local U12's football team next season.

From the beginning of next season, AFC Darwen's U12's Junior Football Club will be sponsored by Elektec, based on Tower View in Darwen, who will be doing so in the name of East Lancashire Hospice.

The company will be taking over from the Anchor Road based club's previous sponsor Gareth Mayoh, whose sons Tom and Jack became well known as 'the boys in shorts' by raising funds for the hospice which cared for their mother Louise.

Elektec HR and finance manager Charlotte Knowles said: "When we were approached by the club who were looking for a new sponsor, it felt like a good fit with our business being based in Darwen as we are always keen to give something back to the community.

"When the club explained the kit had previously been sponsored in the name of East Lancashire Hospice by Gareth, we simply had to carry on the tradition as we always do whatever we can to support them.

"Our logos will feature together on the new home kit with the hospice logo on the front of the shirt and the Elektec one on the reverse, whilst the Elektec logo will also feature on the away kit."

East Lancashire Hospice says that it is grateful for the continued support.

Marketing and communications lead Katie Elliott said: "Elektec provide us with the most amazing support here at the hospice, from PAT testing all of our electrical equipment on a regular basis free of charge, saving us a considerable amount of money, to fundraising and sponsoring our events to name but a few things.­

"The sponsorship arrangement agreed between AFC Darwen U12’s Junior Team and Elektec represents a fantastic opportunity for us to further raise our brand profile within the community at a time when we have never needed it more on the back of the pandemic.­

"We can’t wait to see the players in action!"

She added "We simply could not provide the care that we do for our patients and their families without the support of companies like Elektec and we are all extremely grateful for everything they do for us."

To find out more about AFC Darwen, go to: https://www.afcdarwen.co.uk/.