Grass-roots volleyball will soon be reaping the benefit of sponsorship from the Portman Building Society.

Wessex Volleyball, one of England's most successful junior set-ups, have agreed a one-year deal with the go-ahead high street company, who have already done so much for the local community.

Wessex have almost 30 national titles to their name and their development programme is second to none. According to club chairman Geoff Allen, they can progress even further with Portman's backing.

He said: "We are really proud that one of the area's most prestigious businesses is supporting our schools' and junior development programme. Due to its suitability for both sexes, volleyball is already being played by thousands of children in 60 local schools. Portman's sponsorship will help make volleyball one of the major sports locally."

The Portman sponsorship will cover all the junior coaching undertaken by Wessex, both in schools and with their junior squads, the four local schools' leagues, the five schools' age-group championships, the Wessex Mini-Volleyball Grand Prix Series, and the Wessex mini-volleyball teams.

Helen Shaw, Portman's group communications manager, commented: "The Portman Building Society is pleased to be associated with such a good example of youth activity. The Wessex junior volleyball programme fits well with our commitment to the local community and we wish all the teams the best of luck for the forthcoming year."