Caption - (left to right) Customer service manager Richard Pestridge, business owner Derek Pestridge and Peter Young from Ashford United.

Ashford's would-be soccer stars have won the backing of a company that has already proved itself to be a winner.

Newly-formed Ashford United has secured a major sponsorship deal with D&D Autos, the servicing, repair and MOT specialists now operating from purpose-built premises on Orbital Park.

The club will be hoping that some of the garage's sparkle rubs off on the Kent Invicta League side, since D&D Autos is nostranger to fielding a winning team.

The company, which moved to its new premises in 2009, picked up Kent Invicta Chamber's Excellence in Customer Service award in 2010 and again in 2011.

Garage owner Derek Pestridge is a keen football fan and has regularly provided support for local youngsters' teams as part of D&D Auto's commitment to the local community. He agreed to help the new team after being approached by the club's Peter Young.

"I was very pleased to help Ashford's new football team with sponsorship and I hope the club goes on to do great things and make the town proud," said Derek. "A growing town needs a strong football team and after the ups and downs of the past few years I felt they needed some support."

The deal, initially for one year, will see award-winning D&D's name on the club's first team strip as the players search for similar success.

More Kent sports news, Kent sport direct to your mailbox with the Kent Review.

© www.yourcounty.co.uk