A Congleton-based firm is showing its support for women's grassroots cricket.

Sibelco has been announced as the sponsor of Holmes Chapel Cricket Club's newly established ladies team.

The partnership extends beyond funding, with the team recently invited to Sibelco's silica quarry at Bent Farm for a behind-the-scenes experience.

During the visit, players met members of the Sibelco team, toured the site, viewed machinery used in quarry operations and received branded water bottles.

 Kaz Jinks, site manager at Bent Farm Quarry, said: "We're delighted to sponsor Holmes Chapel Ladies Cricket Team for their first competitive season.

"It's inspiring to see a group of local women take up the sport and become role models in the community.

"Supporting grassroots initiatives like this reflects our ongoing commitment to the areas where we operate."

The team were recently invited for a tour of Bent Farm Quarry (Credit: TMC)

The women's team, made up primarily of mums and sisters of junior club members, came together just last summer with no prior experience of the game.

Since then they have trained throughout the winter under the guidance of coaches from the men's squad and former England cricketer and local resident, Lucy Pearson.

Now competing for the first time in the Cheshire Womens Cricket League, the team are currently sat third in their division.

Head coach Paul Cudby said: "The women's team's positive mindset and ability to learn and adapt after every game is proving to be their greatest strength.

"They've progressed rapidly into confident cricketers and have performed fantastically in their debut season.

"Beyond the pitch, the women's team contribution to the wider club has also been hugely valuable from organising fundraising events to training the new girls' team and helping to foster a truly inclusive and welcoming atmosphere.

"The response from our male squads has been overwhelmingly positive and it's clear these women have brought something really special to the club in our centenary year."