YOUNG members of Wharfedale RUFC have smart new rugby shirts which carry an important safety message.

The new shirts for the Threshfield club's mini and junior section, and which have been sponsored by businesses and individuals in the area, include a prominent band showing the maximum height of allowed tackles between players.

Edwin Williams, press officer at Wharfedale said: "The white band across the shirts is designed with the new tackle height laws in mind, as an aid to players, coaches and referees as to what is the maximum legal height of the tackle is. All tackles should be below the white band. This idea came years ago from the late Michael Harrison 'Clarty' and has finally been put to use in the mini and junior section of the club."

The club has received sponsorship for the shirts from Skipton Properties, PIB Insurance, Wareing Joinery, and Greenwood Financial Planning LLP.