Cheddar Valley RFC has landed a sponsorship deal with local housebuilder Bellway South West to help fund the club's running costs for the upcoming season.

The housing company has given £665 to the club to help pay for maintenance of the pitch, changing rooms, or anything else that may be needed.

Cheddar Valley RFC’s first team plays in the Counties 3 Tribute Somerset South League, with the club having men’s and women’s teams as well as junior and mini sections.

Club chairman Neville Holmes MBE said: “This club is a welcoming and inclusive RFU accredited community rugby club and is home to a thriving men’s, women’s and mini and juniors’ sections with over 200 people playing, coaching or supporting rugby every weekend.

“Maintaining, and enhancing, this opportunity for everybody within the Cheddar Valley requires significant funding and we are delighted that Bellway have so generously agreed to become one of our sponsors.

“We also look forward to welcoming many of those who move into Bellway homes in the village. We hope they consider visiting the club as from experience, I know it is a great way to get to know the community and is also lots of fun.”

Rachel Way, sales manager for Bellway South West, said: “Grassroots sports clubs like Cheddar Valley RFC are a vital part of the local community and provide a chance for people of all ages to take part in sport and embrace exercise as an integral part of their lives.

“Perhaps just as importantly, the club offers an opportunity for families in the area to meet socially and to form friendships which can, and often do, last a lifetime.

“We are building new homes at Peregrine View, which is just half a mile away from the club’s ground and we are very proud to become a sponsor of Cheddar Valley RFC.

“We hope our donation will help the club meet its running costs over the next season and we wish every team all the best on and off the rugby pitch.”  

Bellway South West has also made a contribution of £750 to sponsor another local sports team, Cheddar Ladies FC.

The money was used to buy training equipment and help with the day-to-day running costs at the club.