A WHITEFIELD door hardware supplier has renewed its support of top league regional sports when they were visited by national netball star.

UAP Limited welcomed England Roses and Manchester Thunder player Eleanor Cardwell to its Albert Close Trading Estate headquarters, to mark their continued partnership with the Manchester Club, ahead of the new Superleague season.

The firm, which specialises in home security and locks, is a primary partner of the Vitality Netball Superleague in Manchester and the North West, under its corporate brand Fullex.

It has also been a sponsor of the Thunder squad since 2016.

Pat Rice, UAP 's commercial director, said: "UAP has a long history of supporting local sporting teams, community activities and charities. It is with immense pleasure that we continue our support of Manchester Thunder as netball continues its worthy rise in both national participation and global recognition."

During her first visit to the UAP headquarters Ms Cardwell was greeted by Mr Rice, chief financial officer, Bonnie Hodson, and group commercial director, Tim Fairley, before meeting with members of the company's team.

She was then given a guided tour by UAP's first employee, Wendy Rushton, and explored the firm's product development and testing facility.

Ms Cardwell said: "Everyone is talking about netball at the moment. This year is going to be a great step forward in how the sport develops and how we can make the sport bigger and better.

"We can't do that without the support of businesses like UAP who invest in our sport off court which allows us to be the best we can on court."

Debbie Hallas, managing director of Manchester Thunder, added: “2019 promises to be an exciting year for Netball following England's Commonwealth Games win and this summer's World Cup in Liverpool.

"We're proud to continue to have the support of UAP at Manchester Thunder which will help us promote our sport to more fans across the north west. I know this is an exciting time for their business too and we look forward to showcasing the firm throughout the season."

UAP limited was founded in 1997 as Universal Imports becoming the first company to supply finished door products.

Since then the company has expanded to boast more than 3000 product lines and exports to more than 25 different countries.