RAYLEIGH Boys under-13 football team has received 24 new sports bags, courtesy of Santandar, Abbey National's parent bank.

The gift came after the team were runners up in the B Divison of Southend and District Junior Football Leage As a result, the team earned promotion to the A league which is a big feat for the boys as it is their second in a row.

Anne Gorman, head of shareholder relations at Santandar, said: "Hopefully the new bags will be a big hit, as we are committed to encourgaing and supporting educational and sporting projects across the country."

Chris Hockett, Rayleigh Boys manager, said: "The bags are a great boost for the boys on top of their outstanding achievement in moving up two divisions in two years."