A BUS company has donated more than £3,000 to a football club to help its 50th anniversary celebrations.
Nottingham City Transport gave the money to Clifton All Whites to cover the costs of a charity cycle ride from Paris to Nottingham to boost the club's floodlight appeal.
The All Whites have historically been one of the most successful clubs in the country, nurturing stars such as Andy Cole, Darren Huckerby, Jermaine Jenas and Viv Anderson.
The £3,375 donated by NCT covered the costs of the charity ride, including hotels, insurance, support vehicle and ferry crossings – which would otherwise have had to be paid for by the club and might have jeopardised the whole event.
"It's great news that Nottingham City Transport has continued to show its support for the club," said club manager Martyn Cheatle.
"It's not just Clifton All Whites that will benefit from this event but a number of other charities that we are a riding for, and without this funding I don't think this ride would take place."
Nottingham City Transport has been serving the Clifton area for more than 60 years.
The company commemorated the anniversary last year with a special diamond jubilee bus, with 69-year-old local litter-picking hero Michael Chandley pictured on the back.
Marketing manager Anthony Carver-Smith said: "NCT has sponsored the Clifton All Whites for a couple of years, as we recognise the important role they play in the community."
"It's fantastic to see the club raising funds in such an inspiring way as this amazing cycle ride and we were happy play a part."
The club is celebrating throughout July and is throwing a big party on July 13, with a Clifton All Whites v Forest Legends football match the following day.
The festivities will begin on July 13 at 2pm and, as part of the celebrations, the team of ten riders will be arriving back at the event, having completed the last leg of their epic ride from Paris.
NCT will be presenting a special 50th anniversary year bus to the club in July to mark its birthday and will be attending the celebrations on both days.
To find out more about the charity bike ride from Paris to Nottingham and discover how to donate, log on to www.kismet.org.uk
