HESKIN Football Club, which folded more than five years ago, has been re-launched with a vengeance and the players have definitely got their eye on the ball.

Now, after a healthy first season, the club's football chiefs are aiming to kick-start their way to the top of the Preston and District amateur league.

As a club which was first established more than 50 years ago, long before the Second World War, Heskin Football Club is one of the oldest amateur club's in Lancashire.

But, around six years ago, the popular club fell on hard times and folded.

Last year though, two determined locals -- Gary Norris and Neil Bibby -- took up the reins and pitched it back into full swing.

Club chairman, councillor Edward Forshaw, said: "Last season was brilliant for everyone concerned. We were never short of players.

"But, we are always looking for more success and I hope that eventually we will be in the Premier League of the Preston Division.

"Heskin Football Club has a long history going back before the war. In its day it was quite well known.

"As a local councillor they asked me if I would be chairman of the club.

"We will hopefully be running a second team this year because we have had enough chaps registering to play."

Now the sporty chaps are enjoying early success after promotion from Preston League Division Two West to Division One West, at the end of last season.

Team manager, Neil Bibby, said local interest in the club has been better than he could have imagined.

He added: "Everybody wanted to play. The only difficulty was with funding the club, but sponsorship had helped revive us better this season, than the last."

Heskin FC train on Tuesday and Thursday nights at the meadows, off Wood Lane, Heskin and newcomers are welcome.

The first match of the season takes place on their home ground on Saturday, August 12, kick-off 3pm.