A TAG rugby team for disabled children is desperately on the hunt for a new sponsor to help them meet the cost of travelling to an international sports festival.

Witney Wolves is currently in training for the International Tag Rugby Festival in Limerick, Ireland.

The team includes boys and girls from age seven to 16 with a range of disabilities including autism, cerebral palsy, Down's syndrome and mild learning difficulties.

Head coach Jeremy Bristoe said: "It changes lives, this club. You just have to see the looks on the children's faces.

"It's a once a year festival where all the special needs rugby clubs come together. But unfortunately a lot of the parents and carers have other special needs kids they need to look after, and pay for care, often £300, to make sure they are cared for at home.

"And there's the flights to Ireland too. Of course we make sure we raise as much as possible but it would be incredible to have a sponsor on board. It's so important."

Chairman of West Oxfordshire District Council Norman MacRae recently visited the team after he heard they needed a new sponsor to help them meet the costs of their trip.

He said: "I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and it was so inspirational to meet such an enthusiastic group of young people.

"The support they are receiving from Witney Rugby Club and coach volunteers is second to none. I wish them every success with their fundraising activities and hope they will find a business sponsor soon."

The Witney Wolves team provides the children with opportunities to grow in confidence, develop social skills, get fit and make friends.

And the festival is an important annual even for them. The team took part in a Devizes to Westminster canoe race during Easter weekend to further boost funds.

Fundraising takes part throughout the year to provide kit for new members, a sports wheelchair and attending events.

The club is part of Witney RFC and meets on Sunday mornings from 10.30am to 11-30am from September to May.

In 2017 Witney Rugby Club is hosting the International Rugby Tag Festival that could see as many as 200 disabled young people from around the British Isles come to the town.