AN Otley sports club is looking forward to an exciting future after a disastrous year.

Weston Lane Junior Sports and Social Club's major fund-raising event in May was scuppered when builders dug up its pitch.

The club had planned the event to kit out its new clubhouse after the original one was destroyed by fire in 2000.

But workmen for Leeds North West Homes dug up the pitch by mistake in their efforts to create a site compound for improvements to houses at The Oval.

Now, in a bid to help both the club and the community, the companies involved have sponsored the club teams.

Ian Needham, U14 team coach, said: "We are absolutely delighted that both Kier and Heat have chosen to sponsor our teams.

"This provides not only a financial boost, but helps cement relations with two companies who are helping to renovate the estate where we are based.

"The club is rebuilding after the clubhouse fire and continues to go from strength to strength on and off the field."

He added that the club was committed to giving all a chance to experience sport.

"Our purpose is to provide a sporting chance for the youth of Otley and the surrounding area and help develop young men and women who have a respect for both themselves and their community."

Mark Coogan, senior operations manager for Keir Building Mainten-ance, Leeds, said: "We are proud to be involved within the local community with the sponsorship of Weston Lane Junior Sports and Social Club.

"Here in Leeds we genuinely believe that local community involvement is at the heart of sustainability, and we are pleased to support Weston Lane in partnership with Leeds North West Homes and HEAT."

And Paul Dove, general manager for Heat Ltd, said the company was keen to become involved in the community.

"Heat Ltd take great care and pride in being able to become involved and give support to the local communities in which we both work and serve.

"We have a close affinity to Otley and in this respect we are extremely pleased to be able to support Weston Lane Junior Sports and Social Club in this joint initiative with Leeds North West Homes and Kier.

!We look forward to a successful season for the club and more importantly being able to play a small part in the development of Otley's youth."

l The club has vacancies for its younger team for children of seven to ten years old. For more information telephone team coach Tony on (0113) 2508146.