A HALESOWEN hockey team has ‘adopted’ Barnardo’s as its charity of the year.

The Old Halesonians men’s first XI are wearing new shirts featuring the logo of the children’s charity, as well as organising fundraising events throughout the season.

They hope to raise hundreds of pounds to support the charity’s life-changing work with some of the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people.

The partnership was suggested by Old Halesonians player Ben Hughes, a volunteering officer for Barnardo’s.

He said: “I’ve seen for myself some of the amazing services provided by the charity, transforming children’s lives and offering the hope of a better future.

“It’s also great that Barnardo’s has such a strong local presence, with a regional office at Great Cornbow in Halesowen featuring a wide range of services including fostering and adoption, and employment and training skills.

“We hope the local community will support the team’s fundraising efforts and help us to raise as much money as possible for a worthy cause.”

Old Halesonians have five men’s teams, one ladies' side and a junior team, and always welcomes new players.

Visit www.ohhc.org.uk for more details on the club and www.barnados.org.uk for more information on the charity.