Baris, who have their headquarters at Huthwaite and are one of the contractors at the new Kings Mill Hospital development, will be sponsoring the society for the foreseeable future.

Part of the deal is to provide society members with a tracksuit to encourage new members to join and to raise the profile of the Baris Company locally.

Terry Damms, MD for Baris, is seen presenting the tracksuits to the Society and said the the company is doing well and, being a football fanatic, he wanted to put something back into the local community.

A society spokesman said: “This is unique in refereeing circles for a referees society to get a major sponsorship deal.

“Normally in any sport it’s the clubs or players who get sponsored but this deal will encourage people to take up the whistle and join the society.”

Anyone wanting further information about joining the society should contact Michael Abbs on 07966 096461 or Roy Hodson on 07709 058343.