Rich Products, which has its headquarters in Fareham, has helped turn around the fortunes of Fareham Heathens Rugby Club's youth squad after it donated more than £15,000 and paid for a special coach.

Now the youth team, based at Cams Alders, are celebrating a record number of wins last season. The club, which encourages women to play, boasts more than 120 junior players with three of the under-16 members playing at county level.

But just three years ago the club had only 40 senior players and no junior section.

Club secretary Rob Townsend said: 'The donations from Rich's have really transformed the club.

'The sheer number of junior members the club now has means we have a very strong side. Our under-16 team finished third in the league last season, the best result the youth section has achieved.'

Rich's first became involved by providing muffins and cookies at club tournaments and matches. This was followed by paying for community coach Andy Kirby, a qualified rugby coach who visits local schools to introduce pupils to the game and encourage them to join the club.

Because of the junior team's success, the Hampshire Rugby Football Union, the National Rugby Football Union and Fareham Borough Council agreed to pay for the draining of one of the club's pitches – something that usually costs £70,000.

Gail Lindsay, Rich's marketing manager, said: 'Seeing the youngsters progress and hearing about their various successes throughout the season has been so rewarding.

'We are a family-run business and aim to care for the community.'