Cougarmania is spreading across the town – on the back of taxis!

Keighley’s rugby league stars are swapping the Cougar Park turf for an advertising pitch.

Several players and club mascot Freddie are featuring in ads as part of a deal with Metro Taxis and Keighley company A1 Stairlifts, which is funding the promotion.

“Six taxis in total will have the adverts across the back – it is a great way of promoting the club,” said Cougars chairman Gary Fawcett.

“One vehicle has already been liveried up and it looks terrific. The rest are following in the next week or so.

“We’re delighted to have the support of A1 Stairlifts in the campaign. The company, which is one of our main sponsors, is advertising on the side of the vehicles.”

It’s a big few weeks for the club as they prepare for their Tetley’s Challenge Cup quarter-final away at giants Widnes.

Metro owner Stuart Hastings said: “We are always keen to support businesses in the town and it is a great way of publicising the club,” he said. “Bradford Council has been extremely helpful with the venture and deserves a mention.”

Simon Harrison, managing director of A1 Stairlifts, said: “We are a big supporter of the club and when we were booking our own ads with Metro we thought it would be a great idea to have a Cougars advert on the back.

“We also help other local sports teams – we’ve just sponsored Steeton Football Club. Our feeling is that if people are going to spend their money in Keighley we should give something back.”