THE firm behind the new £60 million business park at Monks Cross North has kicked off its support for a local junior football team with a sponsorship initiative.

Property developer The Monks Cross Partnership has sponsored the Huntington Junior Football Club under-11s new strip.

Huntington Junior Football Club, founded in 1992, plays its home games at Hopgrove Playing Fields near Monks Cross Retail Park. The under-11s were in desperate need of a new playing strip for the forthcoming season when The Monks Cross Partnership stepped in.

Richard Peak, a director of The Helmsley Group and spokesman for the Monks Cross Partnership, said: "As one of the major businesses in the area we were only too pleased to be asked to sponsor Huntington Junior Football Club Under-11s kit. We are sure they will do us proud next season."

The new kit will feature the developers' logo and will be used for at least four years. Next season the team will play 11-a-side matches for the first time and compete for the league and cup in the Ryedale Junior Football League division two.

Team manager Mike Pennington said: "This is a brilliant gesture by the Monks Cross Partnership."

Updated: 09:03 Tuesday, September 09, 2003