WESTHOUGHTON Lions are looking to forge links between the club and local businesses and the community at their inaugural Lions Fest.

Unlike close neighbours Wigan and Leigh, Westhoughton and Bolton are not commonly associated with rugby league.

The Lions are hoping to raise the profile by opening up their club to the community on Saturday, September 10.

Lions Fest 2016 will take place between 11am and 5pm at the club’s training ground, The Den, on Cunningham Road, Westhoughton.

The event will be supported by Huddersfield Giants half-back, Ryan Brierley who used to play for Westhoughton Lions. Other activities on offer will include live music, a family picnic area, barbecue, stalls, tombola, a tag rugby competition and beer festival.

Club chairman Andew Parkin said: “As a club, we decided it was time people knew that we’re not just about rugby league. I know that sounds a bit odd, but when our new clubhouse is built, we want other groups in and around Westhoughton to benefit from it, too. Many amateur rugby league clubs are rooted to industries and communities here in the north and they thrive today thanks to generations of players, families and supporters who have made them a part of their lives.”

Westhoughton Lions ARLFC is a fairly new kid on the block having been established for a mere 19 years. The club hopes that Lions Fest 2016 will showcase the strength of their links with the local community. Indeed, many local businesses have already agreed to support the event through sponsorship and by attending on the day.

“The clubhouse is still in the early stages of planning but we want residents, schools, businesses and local groups to come and talk to us about how they might want to use our facilities," said Parkin. "It would be great if we could help other sports clubs and community groups to get off the ground. Ultimately, when people think of Westhoughton, we want them to think of a great rugby league club which is at the heart of an active and thriving community.”