TWO firms have stepped up to sponsor free internet and Wi-Fi at Keighley Cougars' Lawkholme ground.

ICT specialists Exa and Datacable have joined forces to provide the equipment, at Cougar Park.

The facility is now available to everyone who visits the rugby league stadium.

And as part of the deal, the two companies are also supplying ongoing technical help and support.

Mark Elders, business sales manager at Exa, said: “Keighley Cougars share the same values and philosophies as we do in terms of supporting resident businesses, so we welcomed the opportunity to become involved with the club and to work in partnership with Datacable.

"The sponsorship is a great opportunity to demonstrate the connectivity services we provide.”

John Martins, technical director at Datacable, said his firm was proud to be backing the club.

He added: “It will provide a service for the supporters allowing them to keep in contact from the ground and share the action from Cougar Park worldwide, but it's also about businesses in the area working together and supporting each other to keep the local economy thriving."

Cougars chairman Gary Fawcett said everyone at the club was delighted with the new provision.

“Our supporters and visitors are thrilled that they can now access the internet and benefit from free Wi-Fi for the first time at Cougar Park," he said.

"This sponsorship means so many more people can enjoy the action from the ground through platforms such as social media updates, and it shows that we can work collaboratively with companies in the local area to bring new services to the ground without any additional costs to our loyal fans.

"From us and all our supporters we extend a big thank-you to Exa and Datacable.”

Cougars have also signed a sponsorship deal with Clever Energy Boilers.

The partnership will see branded rugby balls being distributed to schoolchildren.

"We are a local company so it’s logical to support local sport and schools," said Clever Energy Boilers director, Jon Broadbent.

"Cougars have a brilliant community programme and it chimes a chord with our business."

Mr Fawcett said: "Clever Energy Boilers is a great company that can help people reduce their bills – and we know from our own heating costs that saving 30 per cent can make a big difference.

"We are very happy to have them on board as a club sponsor."