The leader of a Bolton business has thrown his support behind a sports and community centre.

James Dickinson of recycling and skip firm J Dickinson & Sons has joined Blackrod Sports and Community Centre as a charity patron.

The firm, founded in 1939 by John Dickinson, started from humble beginnings, offering haulage services to Bolton and the surrounding area via horse and cart.

Today, four generations later and with over 70 employees, J Dickinson & Sons offers a wide range of services including domestic and commercial skips, commercial direct tipping, commercial bin collections and waste haulage.

Blackrod Sports and Community Centre is a charity which manages the community centre and pitches in Blackrod.

Set up in 2017 by members of the local community with the support of Bolton Council, the centre holds multiple clubs including walking football, personal training sessions, circuit training and more.

Ann Cunliffe, Chair of Trustees of the Blackrod Sports and Community Centre Charity, said: “I am delighted to be able to confirm James as our newest Charity Patron. I have known and worked with James for many years and am very aware of all of the charitable causes and projects that both James and his company support not only on Horwich but across Blackrod too.

"When Blackrod Sports and Community Centre was researching which local Business leaders we would like to ask to become involved in our charity, James was right up there as a key person we knew would fit with our goals and ethos."

Mr Dickinson said: “With our traditional values, big ambitions and passion for philanthropy, we strongly believe that we have a duty to support community events and offer support to those in need.

"We currently work closely with a wide range of charities, organisations and community events and becoming a Patron for Blackrod Sports and Community Centre is special in continuing our involvement and support to key organisations that provide crucial services to local residents.”

To learn more about Blackrod Sports and Community Centre, visit their website at: https://www.blackrodsacc.org.uk/