FOOTBALLERS in Ludgershall have been officially sponsored by their parish council.

Ludgershall Colts now have the parish council's name emblazoned on their chest as they play the 'beautiful game'. Parish council chairman, Jim Calder, said: "We like to support local causes and after their success last year we thought it appropriate to help the youngsters again this year.

"We decided to give the team a grant of £200 which they used to help pay for new shirts, socks and shorts." The team, which plays at Castledown School, was given some portable goal posts by the council last year when they first started.

The parish council has a long tradition of supporting recreation in the community and it owns a recreation ground and a pavilion used for recreational purposed.