A RUNCORN netball club will receive coaching from the stars and major equipment upgrades thanks to support from a business.

Beechwood Netball Club has received £5,000 from renewable energy company Viridor as part of a company initiative.

The latter operates a large energy recovery facility incinerator in the town.

The funding will allow the club’s nearly 200 players to receive regular training sessions from a Netball Super League player.

The club will also be able to buy new kits, equipment and a branded gazebo to use in upcoming tournaments.

Sharon Glover, chair of Beechwood Netball Club, said: “This donation will make a huge difference, as we are completely self-funded and rely heavily on funding from players and their parents.

“We are incredibly grateful to Viridor for its investment in our club, and we hope that these improvements will encourage more women and girls into the sport.

“What better way to motivate our players than to have one of the country’s best players mentoring you.”

Beechwood Netball Club is the latest organisation to receive financial support from Viridor’s We Share Community Fund, which donates £300,000 annually to community projects.

David Foulkes, who works as a technician at Viridor’s Runcorn branch, nominated the club for funding.

He said: “Beechwood Netball Club is a core part of our community and has helped hundreds of players of all ages.

“We are proud that this We Share donation will help to train the next generation of Runcorn’s netball players and secure Beechwood Netball Club’s future.”