IF you recognise the name International Labmate Limited then it's more than likely you have attended a sporting event across the district sometime recently.

The company, is based at Oak Court in Porters Wood, has become synonymous with sponsoring sporting teams and individuals and its name and logo are a regular sight on sports kits across the county.

The reason is the sporting interest held by Labmate founder Michael Pattison who says he is keen to show support for the local community.

The company currently sponsors Saracens Rugby Club and Old Albanians Rugby Club in St Albans a team Michael used to turn out for in his younger days as well as being the main backer for Harvesters Football Club under 15's who recently won the Watford Friendly League Spring Shield. Labmate also recently sponsored the under 16/17 England v Italy International match at Woollams Playing Field which attracted nearly 3,000 people and more unusual sports which receive funding include The Chiltern Petanque Club, a netball team and even a drag racing team.

The latest young sporting star to benefit from the company's generosity is 12-year-old karate kid Aaron Gould who is a 1st dan at shotokan karate and has been chosen to represent England at this year's world and European championships.

Labmate handed over a cheque for £1,000 towards the £2,000 cost of sending Aaron to the European Championships in Romania and the world championships in Macedonia. When he competes out there later this year he will have the International Labmate Limited logo on his gi (karate suit).

The award was made at the meeting of the fundraising 948 Foundation at Woollams Sports in Harpenden Road on May 16.

Members of clubs, individuals and school representatives were invited to hear an explanation by Nigel Seale, chairman of the 948 fund that has been created to help young athletes, sports people, and clubs to raise standards in sport.

Mr Seale said: "At the occasion, young Aaron Gould gave a splendid karate demonstration to show what level of excellence can be achieved by the young.

"This must be what the Foundations of British Sport need, to help build the champions of the future."

International Labmate Limited was founded 30 years ago and produces scientific journals worldwide in the field of laboratory science, environmental technology, petro chemistry and computer solutions. It also produces a publication entirely in Chinese.

Published bi-monthly for scientists working in industrial, university, hospital and government laboratories throughout Europe and the Middle East, International Labmate is recognized as the leading analytical journal in this field.

Each issue contains information on the latest products available on the market along with several problem-solving articles and news and views.

The company is a past winner of the Herts Award for Export Achievement and a Queens Award winner also for Export Achievement.