WIDNES VIKINGS have established a partnership with Championship side Workington Town from the 2013 season.

With the Under 20s and 18s leagues merged into an Under 19 division, Vikings will send players to Town to gain first-grade experience.

“It is great to be involved with a team that is growing,” said Widnes coach Denis Betts.

“Workington are a famous old club with plenty of history and have recently secured promotion into the Championship.”