JUNIOR sports teams in Runcorn and Widnes will be receiving free kits.

This is as a result of a team sprit competition run by Merseyflow, which operates the borough’s bridges crossing the Mersey.

In total, 40 teams from the area entered the competition, and of these teams, five lucky winners had the cost of their kits covered worth £1,000.

The winners of this competition were Parkland U7s Boca, Beechwood Lightning, Hotsteppers Dance School, Brookvale United U12s and Halton Farnworth Hornets U11s.

Merseyflow’s team spirit competition is in its third year, and it is aimed at supporting clubs that help young people in the region access sports to improve their physical and mental wellbeing.

As a gesture due to the overwhelming response received for the competition, Merseyflow has also decided to give the five further runner-up teams a new kit to the value of £500 each.

These teams are: Halton Swimming Club Micro League Squad, Halton Farnworth Hornets U8s Reds, Widnes Moorfields Tigers U7s, Widnes RUFC U9s and Weston Point Warriors.

Neil Conway, chief executive at Merseyflow, said: “Supporting the community here in Halton is really important to us.

“We know that junior sports teams are self-funded and rely on donations to cover day-to-day running costs and equipment.

“We are keen to show our support and recognise the fantastic work they do to provide kids with an outlet to have fun and stay healthy.

“We were able to showcase more than 40 local teams on our Facebook page this year, and I would like to say congratulations to all of our winners for 2023.”