A FOOD supply firm has signed up to become support Middlesbrough Football Club's charity arm.

Country Valley Foods, based in Billingham, Teesside, has joined MFC Foundation's Friends of the Foundation scheme.

Funds raised from this year's scheme are being used to help children struggling with the transition from primary to secondary school, support those with mental health problems and develop projects to improve disabled provision at community venues.

The charity was set up by club chairman Steve Gibson in 1996 and has so far invested more than £25m in the Tees Valley and has worked to improve the lives of more than 500,000 people.

It uses the power of the club’s brand and popularity to engage with young people.

Ann-Marie Anderson, Business Development Manager at MFC Foundation, said: “The valuable support is crucial for the amazing work MFC Foundation does across Teesside, as we strive to raise aspirations, inspire hope and change the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in the region.”