A Cumbrian football league is looking forward to kicking off a new season with the backing of paper maker James Cropper Plc.

The company, which produces paper and other fibre-based products at its mill in Burneside, near Kendal, has agreed to sponsor the James Cropper Westmorland Association Football League for the next three years.

Patrick Willink, James Cropper Plc’s chief technology officer, said the sponsorship was an important part of the work the company does to support local causes.

“As a major employer in the area, we depend upon the local community and its expertise and commitment to helping us make world class products,” said Mr Willink.

“It is vitally important to us that we give something back to the community when we can.

"Sports teams are part of the bedrock of communities across the county and there are a significant number of people who work at Croppers who play in the league. Sponsoring the James Cropper Westmorland Association Football League seemed the perfect way to do something that will have real value for people all over the county.

“We are really proud to be associated with the league and look forward to it kicking off on Saturday (August 19).”

League secretary Ron Wilkinson said the sponsorship would help cover the general costs of running the league, which involves 38 teams from across Cumbria.

“It’s good news for us because it will help maintain the smooth running of the league” he said

“We have a lot of really wonderful volunteers who work hard to keep the league going, but sponsorship obviously helps us cover our costs and hopefully will also allow us to help teams by providing equipment. It’s great that James Cropper have come on board to help.”

The Westmorland Football League consists of three divisions. Last season, the Division One champions were Carlisle-based team Pirelli, who finished five points ahead of Keswick, with Appleby a further eight points behind in third.