A LOCAL company has donated vital funds to help keep a grassroots football club running through a 'difficult time'.

Covid-19 brought the country to its knees and affected not only businesses, but local sports clubs also.

Aston Park Rangers said they were extremely grateful at the generosity of Holts Orangeries and Conservatories with owner Tim Holts, who provided funds to keep the club running.

A spokesman for the club said: "It’s fair to say that 2020 has been a difficult year. COVID-19 put the country on lockdown during the spring time and we are heading that way again. One thing that has been affected is grassroots football with children in particular missing out on time with friends and the exercise and enjoyment that sport can bring.

"Aston Park Rangers are a junior football club in the Higher Shotton area who have felt the knock-on effects of COVID.

"With players unable to participate in sport over the summer and annual fundraising tournaments cancelled they have faced financial hardship just like many other community groups.

"Luckily, Aston Park Rangers have seen the generosity of Holts Orangeries and Conservatories. This company and its owner, Tim Holt, have provided funds to help the keep the club running through a difficult time and ensure they were back to training as early as protocols allowed.

"It’s been fantastic to see how Tim has recognised the challenges that the club has faced and how important sport is to young children.

"His continued sponsorship of the club has meant that they are on a sound footing for the rest of this year with players from 6 years old to 15 years old seeing the benefit of this."

Tim Holt added: "The mental wellbeing and health of children is of great importance to me. Organised, grassroots sport and community clubs like Aston provide a great service to young children and in these difficult times it is more vital than ever that kids can get outdoors and keep active."