Merkur UK has donated £2,820 as part of its Merkur Community programme to support Luton Jets, a basketball and football organisation that supports over 40 children from deprived areas.

The funding will help Luton Jets in renting hall space and buying equipment. The Jets offers children aged 11 to 18 an opportunity to play in a structured league. It plays in the Bedfordshire Basketball Association League.

Malik Griffith-Johnson, founder of Luton Jets, said: “We are very thankful for Merkur’s donation, which will greatly improve our classes and continue our mission to steer young people away from potential gang involvement.

“The funding has enabled us to elevate our basketball programme and helped us enter our under-14 and under-16 boys’ teams to join a league and pay for facilities.

“It’s really helped the young people associated with our club to reach new heights and a number of them are now in a basketball academy.”