The locally based social landlord is backing the school after providing a £1,152 grant through its Community Sponsorship Fund. The money will help buy new equipment and improve training facilities.

Founder Andrew Baker said: “We’re delighted to have received this donation from our new sponsor Halton Housing Trust. This will make a huge difference to the academy, improving facilities for all our trainees and make our live events even more professional.”

The Trust’s Community Sponsorship Fund has made £25,000 available this year for local sport and community groups to apply for.

The fund, which Runcorn and Widnes-based groups and organisations can apply for, has been made possible following a generous donation of £100,000 from the Trust’s funders - Lloyds TSB – in 2007.

Nick Atkin, Chief Executive of Halton Housing Trust, said: “The Trust is keen to play an active part in the communities we serve by giving a helping hand and creating opportunities for individuals, groups and organisations that contribute to the fabric of local life.

“We are particularly keen to support local clubs and social activities especially where these provide opportunities for young people from across the Halton area to take an active role in their local community.

Halton Housing Trust is a social landlord that owns and manages over 6,000 homes in Runcorn and Widnes.

For more information about the Community Sponsorship Fund  contact Colette Ranson (Customer Service Support Officer) on 0151 510 5020 or via email at colette.ranson@haltonhousing.org