South Staffs Water has come to the rescue of more than 300 young football club members in Aldridge.

Red Star AFC, based in a small club house at the back of the now disused McKechnie Brass factory in Middlemore Lane, was at risk of closure after vandalism damaged the water supply.

The loss of access to water meant the club no longer had much needed toilet and kitchen facilities.

Steve Perks, Customer Liaison Manager for South Staffs Water, said: “We were called to turn off the water supply because the theft of copper piping had caused a leak to the factory’s existing supply.

“As the land has been earmarked for future development no one was in a position to pay for the repair work and it soon became clear the football club’s future was being put in jeopardy.”

The water company carried out a temporary repair to allow the club access to water, but further vandalism took place the following weekend.

South Staffs Water stepped in and provided staff and materials at no cost to lay a new pipe connecting the club to the water supply in Middlemore Lane.

Steve Bird, chairman of Red Star AFC, said: “Since its launch in 2009 Red Star AFC has become a cornerstone in the community of Aldridge and we now have more than 300 children either playing football or using the club’s social facilities.

“Running the club is a big financial commitment and we rely heavily on hosting social functions in the club house just to bring in much needed funds.

“Having a water supply at the club is vital for our operation, so we were delighted when South Staffs Water stepped in to help us. It really does mean a lot to us.”