A GLOBAL sports turf research company based at Harden has pledged to maintain its support for good causes during 2024.

STRI Group has announced the continuation of its Month of Giving campaign.

Last year, £2,000 was donated to groups and charities – locally and nationally – nominated by employees.

Grants were awarded for a range of purposes, from the purchase of sports kits and equipment to facility improvements.

Amongst those to benefit were Oakworth Juniors FC and Ingrow Cricket Club.

Lee Penrose, chief operating officer at STRI Group, says: "It’s great to be able to give support to charities and community clubs which are close to the hearts of our employees, and it is fantastic to see how the grant money is used.

"We are delighted to be continuing the community grants initiative this year, alongside other charitable commitments."

STRI Group is also a long-standing supporter of Sue Ryder, which runs Manorlands hospice at Oxenhope.

Last month, for the second time, the company backed the charity's annual Winter Solstice Strider.

The event sees participants run a five or ten-kilometre route – using head torches – around the St Ives estate, where STRI Group is based.

Over £15,300 was raised through last month's venture.

Mr Penrose adds: "Supporting Sue Ryder is one of the highlights of December for us. We love being involved in the Solstice Strider event. We’re looking forward to partnering with the charity in the future and continuing to support the fantastic work it does."

Another pre-Christmas beneficiary of the firm's community work was The Clothing Bank.

STRI Group donated over 100 items to the charity, which aims to help clothe families in need during the winter months.

The Clothing Bank was set up in January, 2020, to support those struggling to clothe themselves or their families.

It now has over 120 drop-off points across Yorkshire.

More details can be found at theclothingbank.org.uk

STRI Group was founded in 1929 and has grown into a global design, engineering and management consultancy.

It plans, creates and maintains facilities such as sports pitches and golf courses.

The company has provided support at every FIFA World Cup since 2010 and will be a major player in ensuring pitches are up to standard at the 2026 tournament. It is part of a consortium launched to help prepare playing surfaces ahead of the competition – being hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico.