A HANDFUL of shop workers have come together to support a local sports club and put something back into the community.

After joining the Newton-le-Willows Spar team on High Street and helping to improve the store's standards, Carly Ashurst turned her attention to supporting her community and strengthening the relationship with customers.

The decision to support Newton Sports Club was made after announcing the idea on social media, and many agreed that the Crow Lane venue was beloved by many across the borough.

Established in 1958, the sports club is a not-for-profit venue which is home to cricket, tennis, rugby, and football  teams.

The venue also houses a beer garden, function room, and lounge bar, and underwent an "exciting" makeover to expand their offer last year.

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St Helens Star: Carly and the team have pitched in after a desire to help the communityCarly and the team have pitched in after a desire to help the community (Image: Spar)
After talking to her bosses at Spar, Carly said she was supported in her community effort as the company brands itself with similar campaigns such as 'Nurture Our Neighbourhoods' and 'Passionate About Local'.

She also said that there has been "amazing" feedback to their local project, from customers and the wider community.

St Helens Star: Several staffers got involved in the sports club projectSeveral staffers got involved in the sports club project (Image: Spar)

Carly said: “Having completed the painting, the feedback has been amazing, whether it’s been on Facebook, or from our customers coming into the store and verbally giving us nothing but positive remarks.

"It makes it all worthwhile knowing that as a team we are making people happy.”

St Helens Star: The finished changing rooms at Newton Sports ClubThe finished changing rooms at Newton Sports Club (Image: Spar)

Off the back of the painting, one of the club leaders at Earlestown Athletic contacted the store to discuss a possible partnership with the club.

After further discussions, there was seen to be value in supporting the team as Spar believed this would be another good opportunity to give back to the local community.

The store is currently in the final stages of completing the sponsorship and Carly said that staff “cannot wait” to see the team playing in their brand-new SPAR sponsored kits.