CAMPAIGNERS at a borough football club have teamed up with a community assist service to help publicise and promote the group’s work in providing food supplies to households needing help.

Westhoughton Community Assist Service opened a food bank and community grocery shop on Central Drive in Westhoughton last year in response to the pandemic.

The aim was to provide a greater offer of support for locals in need and in recent weeks officials at Daisy Hill FC have partnered with the group to support their services.

Club committee member Roslyn Gray said: “When we became aware of the work that Westhoughton Community Assist Service is doing, we reached out to them over the Christmas and New Year period to see if we could get involved and help them out in any way.

"After sitting down with some of their volunteers, and sharing some positive and exciting discussions, the partnership was formed.

"They are an incredible group with amazing values, and supporting their work is something everyone at the club can relate to and get behind.

"At Daisy Hill FC, we're more than just a football club, we're a family club - from the juniors to the seniors, our players, staff, committee members, volunteers, fans and neighbours, and we are proud to be a part of our local community.

"We survive on the dedication and backing of those who support us, and we want to pay it back and support them too, and partnering up with local voluntary groups is a great way for us to do that.

"Together with Westhoughton Community Assist Service we've come up with some fantastic ideas of possible future fundraisers and events, and we can't wait to get started and see what this partnership can deliver."

Janet Colley, from the service, said the organisation was delighted when club officials got in touch.

She added: "We are only a small group of volunteers and we are always looking to recruit new people to help and new local organisations to partner up with.

"We were all delighted when Daisy Hill FC contacted us to offer their support to us, and to work together with us to make Westhoughton a great community to be part of.

"We have been busy helping people in Westhoughton for nearly two years now and in the last six months have distributed over 390 food packs from our base, to struggling households across the area.

"Demand for our help is growing fast, as families and individuals find themselves unable to make ends meet."

Anyone wishing to volunteer with the service, or who may know anyone in need who might be looking for help with sourcing food supplies, can contact 0786 969 6856 or email westhoughtonassist@gmail.com.