A KEIGHLEY firm has pledged its continued backing to efforts to get more young people involved in sport.

Keybury Fire and Security has sponsored junior football across the region for the past 15 years.

And a newly-extended league, supported by the company, is thriving in its first full season.

Seventy-two teams from 26 clubs have signed-up for the Bradford and Calderdale Keybury Junior League.

Previously the league, which caters for boys and girls aged six to 11, only took youngsters from the Bradford district.

"Since its formation earlier this year the extended league has already demonstrated a commitment to becoming one of the most forward-thinking and progressive junior football leagues in the region and we couldn't have achieved it without the ongoing backing of Keybury," said league chairman Pete Softley.

The launch season saw a pioneering offer of free football for all member clubs and every age group.

"True grassroots football needs proper governance," added Mr Softley.

"Football should not be about profiteering – it should be about helping clubs invest in young people and waiving the league fees is our way of supporting clubs for the good of the game."

Tom Gee, for Keybury, said: "The new league is working well and all concerned in its planning and running are to be congratulated.

"They are doing a first-rate job in helping to ensure that every youngster has the opportunity to play football.

"For our part, we remain fully committed to helping children and young people across the region to develop their sporting skills and get involved in a team sport, which can only contribute to their personal development and – as a direct result – their health and fitness."

The league has been praised by West Riding County FA.

Football development officer Steve Dorey said: "They've recognised that a massive barrier to football is cost and have addressed this in the best way possible."

Founded in 1982, Keybury is one of the region's longest-established independent family-run fire and security companies.

Continued growth led to the firm relocating last year from its old Skipton Road premises to a larger site at the Worth Enterprise Park, in Valley Road.

It also has regional offices in Bradford, Leeds, Skipton, Ilkley, Harrogate and York.