FIVE inspirational members of the Widnes Vikings development squad were given a key role in recognition of their support for the NHS.

They led Widnes Vikings out at the festive derby against Warrington Wolves on Friday.

All Halton school boys in years six and seven are invited to join this unique project which helps develop their rugby league skills in a supportive environment.

For some it represents the first steps on a pathway to becoming a Vikings player in the future.

Development squad members Charlie Shone, Joey Nulty, Reuben Taio Mafi, Cameron Billington and Jake Pottle volunteered at the Vikings recent winter health event with NHS Halton Clinical Commissioning Group.

The five children made a commitment to back the Vikings Beat The Scrum initiative which educates the public on how to help take pressure off the NHS by choosing the right health services.

Dave Sweeney, chief executive officer of NHS Halton CCG, said: “We were delighted to have the support of the development squad at the event.

“The boys all showed a genuine passion for their NHS and asked some fantastic questions about how they can do their bit to support their local health services.

“It would be incredible if everyone in our borough could follow their lead by educating themselves on how to make the right NHS choices. I’m pleased that they enjoyed leading the team out and hope that they felt very proud of this special recognition.”

Roger Harrison, president of Widnes Vikings development squad, said: "Widnes supporters have always been very keen on their heritage. Heritage is an integral part of any society and any culture.

“The NHS is core to our society; it is our National Health Service, it epitomises what is good, what is empathetic and what is caring about our society

The values that underpin our health service are the very values that we try to promote to the boys involved in the development project.

“The boys learned that our NHS is truly at breaking-point but that we can all do our little bit to relieve the enormous pressures on the system itself.

“They heard from the individuals who work so tirelessly for the well-being of each and every one of us.

“The boys recognised the key element of teamwork as being part of the answer.

“Just like in a rugby league environment, each person contributes but it is when we all work together that we will achieve success."

Visit beatthescrum.com for more details about the campaign.