SWINDON chartered accountants Banks BHG scored a hit with its latest sponsorship and has taken delivery of a limited edition Swindon Town Supporters’ Trust shirt as a thank you.

The red and black hooped shirt mirrors the first Swindon Town kit dating from 1879. Banks BHG was among the first to become a business partner member of the Red Army Fund.

The fund was launched last August by the trust to help supporters play a greater part in the improvement of their club.

All proceeds from the fund go towards projects that benefit the club’s supporters, like its flagship Raise The Roof campaign, which is dedicated to the creation of a roof over the Stratton Bank.

As a thank you for the support, Banks BHG director Neil Elsden was presented with the shirt by Steve Mytton, the chairman of the Swindon Town Supporters’ Trust, and James Phipps, who is a trust vice-chairman and also the CEO of Swindon business Excalibur.

“Supporting the local community has always been at the heart of Banks BHG chartered accountants so we’re delighted to be lending our support to the Swindon Town Supporters’ Trust,” said Neil.

“As one of Swindon’s leading accountancy practices we’ve always believed in the importance of businesses giving something back to the community.

“Over the last five years we have raised more than £12,500 for local charities. We’ve baked, we’ve walked, we’ve run, we’ve dieted, we’ve held quizzes, we’ve even dressed as cheerleaders!”

Steve said: “Banks BHG were the first company we approached to support our new fundraising campaign.

“It was great to see a local business so interested in what we are trying to achieve and we really do appreciate their involvement.”

James said: “My role with the trust is to ensure strong connections with the business community and I am delighted that Banks BHG have shown their support to the trust.

“They are very active in the local community and are a pleasure to deal with.”

Neil said: “Not only do we help local charities, we also believe in offering support to the local business community.

“We run free business networking events – some over breakfast and some early evening – which give company owners the chance to come along and network.

“Some events are themed, such as our upcoming seminars on buy-to-let and intellectual property and our budget breakfast, while others are general.”

Other projects being undertaken by the Red Army Fund include the Build The Bank plan to regenerate the toilets, catering and turnstiles within the Stratton Bank area.

There is also the community garden project, which aims to develop the area behind the Stratton Bank where there is a large open area that has become overgrown with weeds and bushes.

For more information about the Red Army Fund and Trust STFC – the Swindon Town Supporters’ Trust – visit www.redarmyfund.co.uk.

For more information about Banks BHG events, visit www.banksbhg.com, call 01793 839977 or email office@banksbhg.com.