The name of Witney Town will again grace football pitches in Oxfordshire after the club was reformed as a registered charity.

Witney Town, who were first established in 1885, folded in 2001 when they resigned from the Southern League.

Witney United were then formed by a group of supporters, and have been playing in the Hellenic League since 2002.

The club will continue to play in the Uhlsport Hellenic League with Duncan Colwell in charge of the team and Andy Lyne as director of football.

The club has set itself up as a registered charity to fund Help for Heroes and Heads Up, a local head and neck cancer research charity.

The driving force behind the club’s resurgence is local businessman Tom Amer.

He said: “It’s been an honour to help revive Witney Town FC.

“Thanks to volunteers and sponsorship from local businesses, we have already achieved a great deal in a short space of time to be ready for the new season.

“Our ambition is to create a fantastic facility in the community for all talented local footballers.”

Lyne said: “It’s great to see a return to the name under which we enjoyed considerable success.

“Everyone involved with Witney Town is extremely optimistic about the long-term future.

“There is a new positivity, freshness and energy about the place, both on and off the field.

“Last season saw the emergence of some exciting young players who had progressed through the youth system, and we hope to build upon that.”

Witney Town host an Oxford United youth team this Saturday (3pm).

A newly-created supporters’ club will offer discounted admission to matches and free entrance for younger members.

For more information and sponsorship opportunities, contact Amer on 07810 652741.