MORTGAGE advisers who set up in business after being furloughed during lockdown have branched out into another new venture.

The team at Ebor Mortgages has signed up to sponsor Wheldrake Football Club's first and reserve teams after enjoying a successful year since the company launched in 2020.

Graham Jones, who set up the York-based company with Nick Blake and John Nurden to offer independent mortgage and protection advice, plays for the club and said the directors had wanted to invest in the community.

Graham said: "I was looking for a new club when I moved to York and found myself playing for Wheldrake FC. They are a very welcoming set of lads with true team spirit.

"It is really pleasing to be able to sponsor the club at such an early stage of the business.

"Ebor Mortgages has only been running for one year, however we are delighted to be able to provide sponsorship for the club. We are a business that is looking to invest in the local community as we all live in York."

He added: "Ebor Mortgages has gone from strength to strength from the start of the business. Helping a range of clients who are first time buyers, remortgaging, moving home, buy to let, holiday let and product transfers."

Wheldrake FC's first team manager John Hall said: "It is fantastic that one of our players is able to sponsor us through his own company. This aligns well to one of our biggest strengths throughout the years, which has been players staying at the club."

He added: "The club has vastly improved internally and on the playing field throughout the last four years.

"The first team are now playing in Division 2 of the York league, which is very competitive division, with some quality teams in it, while the second team play in the York League Res C division.

"The club's aim this year is to challenge for promotion in the league and look to get to a final in one of the three cups we have entered. We have already reached the Pocklington Cup final, which will be played later this year against the hosts Pocklington."