A hockey club has found the recipe for success as it welcomes more people from the Mid Cheshire area to its growing family of players.
Membership of Sandbach Hockey Club, founded ten years ago, has swelled to more than 150 in its men, women and junior teams and one treat they all love before matches is home-cooked flapjacks made with Cheshire-milled Mornflake oats.
Every weekend Sandbach mum Gail Laycock, a keen player and club treasurer, bakes a big batch using the firm's best-selling jumbo oats loved in recipes for their chewy texture and renowned for keeping energy levels up.
Players reached out to the famous breakfast brand for a donation and were thrilled to receive a large supply of oats and a surprise contribution of £250 towards club outgoings.
Gail said: "We are very much a family club with multiple members from one family and have purposely kept membership fees low to be inclusive as possible so local parents can spread the cost by paying annually or monthly.
"Our popularity has spread through word of mouth and we have many mothers and daughters and fathers and sons among us. Without such a close family spirit, our club would not be able to function but we have to keep a careful eye on any spend. Baking our snacks is one way to help reduce costs.
"Flapjacks are also very satisfying and easy to make so it's win-win. The recipe is basically Mornflake jumbo oats, condensed milk, butter and a little brown sugar so very wholesome and great for energy levels."
The breakfast company welcomed team captains and several junior players to its Cheshire headquarters in Crewe where British grown oats are milled in its state-of-the-art mill.
The hockey players heard how the family business, founded in Swettenham in 1675, has grown into a global brand supplying its porridge, granola and muesli products to more than 70 different countries.
Gail, an accountant working in Crewe, added: "Each team needs to have a First Aid Kit, ice packs and a First Aider on hand at each game. With the increase in teams, we have had to train more umpires. The expansion of the club is great, but it increases costs, so the donation from Mornflake is so generous and will certainly help."
The players visited the Mornflake shop to see new product lines such as its Savoury Oats and Organic and Gluten Free ranges.
Managing director James Lea said: "We are well-known as long standing sponsors of Crewe Alexandra FC, the UK Triathlon series and children's community football schemes but believe there's a sport for everyone.
"What matters is getting started young and we love the way this club has introduced training for children and brings families together."
For more on supporting the hockey club or becoming a player go to www.sandbachhockeyclub.co.uk