A CHEMICAL company boss has pledged a £6,000 annual donation to a rugby club close to his heart.

Cross Hills-based Airedale Group is sponsoring post-match shirts for Bradford Salem, and financially supporting its development.

Airedale Group chief executive officer Chris Chadwick says the club holds a special place with his family and business.

"My family and I were brought-up within a stone’s throw of Bradford Salem," he says. "My grandfather Brian, the company founder, contributed towards the club’s first proper clubhouse. And Airedale Chemical features on a commemorative plaque behind the bar which marks the first game from the new clubhouse in 1976.

"When the opportunity arose for us to be able to support the club again, we leapt at the chance."

Club chair, Neil Klenk, says: "This is an exciting time for the club and the support from Airedale Group will help with some great initiatives we have planned."