Slaithwaite’s independent businesses and passionate community spirit has been praised by Huddersfield Giants as part of the club’s new efforts to forge strong links in villages around the area.

The rugby league team has pledged to spread the word about the small but thriving Pennine village to encourage the continued success of its small companies and grass roots organisations that have sprung up over the last few years.

Its players have been spotted in several shops in recent weeks as well as in other villages in the area.

It is one of the efforts taken up by the club to help local valley communities and get more supporters from them to matches.

Slaithwaite’s links with the club have been growing since it appointed cooperative-owned Green Valley Grocer to provide the first team with fruit baskets on match days last year.

They are now seeking to provide publicity for villagers’ ventures by appearing at events in return for the distribution of flyers and other materials to advertise their match days to local residents.

Green Valley Grocer shop manager, Carol Wood said: “We are massive supporters of the team and think that this partnership idea is great.

“Slaithwaite Saracens players are also massive fans and I think that the promotion the Giants will give the village will help everyone in the village.

“It’s making the community feel really good and I hope that these links continue.”

Giants marketing & Media Manager, James Brammer, said: “We think it is massively important to show our support of villages like Slaithwaite because we think that what is happening here is fantastic and we want to help support their community-minded efforts.

“We've got a great relationship with Green Valley Grocers, there’s a real passion in the community and we want to celebrate that.” They have also visited the surrounding villages of Marsden and Meltham as part of their new initiative and are in the process of establishing links with Holmfirth Helm School.

James said: “We want to spread the word about the club and show that our players care about the communities in the area.

“We have already invited some of the school children along to the stadium and will be teaching them about the importance of healthy lifestyles and giving them coaching sessions.”