At a function and ceremony attended by the Mayor, the Halton Enterprise Team and representatives of the local business community, the Sports4All Banner Scheme was declared this year's winner of the Halton Enterprise Challange, which is awarded annually to the best start up business. As winners they were presented with a cheque for £1,500 and will receive 12 months business support and membership of the Halton Chamber of Commerce for one year.

The Sports4All Banner Scheme demonstrates what Social Enterprise is all about. It is a brand new initiative which combines bringing together young people in sport, highlighting social awareness, and involvement of the local business community.

Mike Cooke the founder of this social enterprise has successfully developed his idea of using banners to display social messages to young people such as 'Keep Bullying Out', 'Just Say No to Drugs & Alcohol', and 'Kick Racism Out'. The banners are displayed around football pitches in the Halton & district Junior Football League, and as well as sending out a message, they also act as a safety barrier, by keeping spectators off the playing area. Local businesses are involved by being asked to sponsor banners and teams in order to provide an income stream for the clubs to assist with fees, buying kit and coaching expenses.

The scheme is run by a committee of 6 volunteers who work tirelessly to help youngsters involved in sport to become socially aware of their own actions and of the problems they may face within their own communities in Halton.

Mike expressed gratitude for the help and advice he received from the Halton Enterprise Team and their coaches, which made winning of the award possible.