With over 10 years design experience Mike brings with him a skills set ideal for Thornton Sports. His most recent role as a Landscape Architect at Preston City Council involved preparing planning drawings for projects, and many site specific schemes he was involved with incorporated sports surfaces such as Multi Use Games Areas and Synthetic Grass Pitches. Furthermore in an earlier role as a Landscape Architect at Capita Symonds Mike was involved in many Building Schools for the Future (BSF) and Private Finance Initiative (PFI) projects, many of which as the leading Project Officer.

David Saxby, Managing Director of Thornton Sports comments:

“We’re delighted to welcome Mike Steer to our team. Specialist advice and assistance with regard to the design aspects of sports projects is an important aspect of what we offer at Thornton Sports. Mike’s skills and experience will maximise further the support we are able to provide to our clients throughout the life of their project.”

So called ‘plastic pitches' were banned by the Football Association in 1988 as a result of complaints that they caused injuries and that the quality of football played on them was poor. However since then technology has advanced significantly and a number of clubs in Italy, France, the Netherlands, Switzerland & Russia now play on artificial pitches.

Interest in artificial pitches particularly comes from clubs at the lower end of the Football League, where the potential revenue boost combined with benefits to community schemes would have a significant impact.

Rob Heys, Chief Executive of Accrington Stanley, recently commented:

"There is an income to be gained from hiring the pitch out and money to be saved in maintenance costs and the fact that you can train on it.The community benefit is that you can get people down to the ground seven days a week rather than just 23 times a season for home fixtures".

Thornton Sports Managing Director, David Saxby, aims to dispel fears about the quality of artificial grass pitches explaining:

"The ball bounce and uniformity of play of synthetic grass pitches is much improved, so that they are now very close to natural grass"

He also adds: "Due to the income potential of artificial pitches it now reasonable to expect to be able to replace the capital expenditure of a new pitch in around 4 years".

To hear more on Rob Heys's and David Saxby's thoughts on artificial pitches listen to a recent interview on Radio Lancashire by clicking on the link below...

Sport Grass interview BBC Radio Lancashire by Thornton_Sports

Jamie MacLaren had given Rovers the lead early in the second half, and with 17 minutes remaining Iain Hume made the scores level. A touch of controversy followed as Neil Mellor's late effort for PNE appeared as though it might have crossed the line after crashing down off the crossbar. However the goal was not given, and with the scores remaining level at 1-1 after ninety minutes, the tie headed straight into penalties to determine the '2011 Champions of Lancashire'.

Rovers' James Knowles was first up and calmly slotted home, before the Man of the Match, Iain Hume, saw his effort saved by Matthew Urwin. Reece Hands missed the second for Blackburn, allowing PNE's Nicholson to make it 1-1. Rovers captain Gavin Gunning smashed his penalty down the middle to edge his side back into the lead, to then watch Phil Brown's recent signing Clarke Carlisle hit the bar. Raheem Hanley then missed the target, and Neil Mellor was thwarted by another superb save at full stretch by Urwin. Finally goalscorer Jamie Maclaren stepped up to beat Roy Carroll in the North End goal for the second time in the afternoon, and clinch the Senior Cup title for the young Rovers side.

Almost 1300 attended the match at The County Ground in Leyland, where Thornton Sports have recently provided the Lancashire FA with brand new training and community facilities. Works completed earlier this year involved resurfacing of a sand-filled synthetic grass pitch with the company's in-house UK manufactured SoccerTurf 40M 3rd Generation surface, and also construction of an adjacent new 5-a-side sports pitch with a similar SoccerTurf surface.

To find out more about the Lancashire FAs new facilities click here.

FLEXIFLOR® is an excellent solution for anyone looking to install a modern, cost effective flooring system, with exceptional performance, durability and elasticity, providing a seamless multi-purpose surface which is easy to maintain.

Benefits of FLEXIFLOR® include:

• Even distribution of point load
• Consistent elasticity
• Excellent safety and comfort
• Shock and sound absorbing
• Superior deformation recovery
• Highly resilient
• Good abrasion resistance
• Easy to clean top layer
• Available in a variety of thicknesses
• Sustains rolling loads such as bleacher seating

A complete refurbishment package is available for all sports surface finishes, which includes scarification, sealing/re-application of finished surfaces and line marking.

To discuss your flooring requirements please contact us on 01282 777 678 or alternatively email gtc@thorntonsports.co.uk

The team completed the 5k in memory of Ann Rose, a valued friend and member of staff unfortunately lost to the big ‘C’ earlier this year. Ann first discovered she had cancer in 1999 and was given months to live, but with a combination of treatment and care, combined with Ann’s fighting spirit and a very positive attitude, she was able to enjoy life to the full. Unfortunately, the cancer returned towards the end of 2010 but this time she was unable to beat it and died in January 2011.

With this in mind all of our ladies decided to join the Race for Life to show our support in the fight against cancer, and the team name ‘Thornton Roses’ seemed an obvious choice.

Due to the effort and enthusiasm of all involved our initial fundraising target of £500 was smashed, with £3,000.00 being raised in the last few days alone! We’d like to take this opportunity to thank all business partners, colleagues, friends and family who have helped us to raise such a fantastic amount. Peoples’ generosity way exceeded our expectations and we feel privileged to be involved in such a great cause.

Donations can still be received following the event. To show your support please visit http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/TheThorntonRoses. Thank you.

Mr Stewart also found time to look at the artificial cricket wicket that was in the process of being installed and he commented on how it is facilities like this that enable young players to develop their skills and produce successful players of the future.

As you can see from the picture above, Alec Stewart was more than happy to talk to the installation team about the new cricket wicket and how its similarities to a natural grass wicket enable the children to play all year round.            

GTC Sports offer a number of sporting surfaces and outdoor equipment. To see our full range of services please visit the relevant pages on our website or contact us on 01282 777 678.

The project involved resurfacing of a sand-filled synthetic grass pitch with Thornton Sport's in-house UK manufactured SoccerTurf 40M 3rd Generation surface, and also construction of an adjacent new 5-a-side sports pitch with a similar SoccerTurf surface.

Following a contractual problem experienced by the Lancashire FA in the early part of the project, Thornton Sports were pleased to be able to provide assistance by stepping in following the previous contractor, to complete the pitch resurfacing works. Understanding of the Lancashire FA's desire to start using the facilities as soon as possible, Thornton Sports completed the works within a very tight timescale. David Burgess, Chief Executive of Lancashire FA comments;

“We are delighted with our new facilities which are second to none, and are thankful to Thornton Sports for the speed of their response. The quality of workmanship displayed is excellent, and our teams, officials and local community are already enjoying putting them to good use”

For further information about Thornton Sports call 01282 777 345 or email info@thorntonsports.co.uk.

The website details services available, including regular maintenance packages, deep clean options and a 24 hour repair service, along with case studies of works previously carried out and ‘before' and ‘after' pictures.

Our domestic synthetic grass installation service, Leave Us A Lawn, also features on the website, showing a number of our garden transformations. Recently, for example, a city nursery garden has been re-surfaced to enable the children to play outside, whatever the weather.

For further information about the repair and maintenance of a synthetic surface, or domestic installation of synthetic grass, call 0116 288 6782 or of course, visit www.protechallweather.co.uk.

The ISO14001 environmental management system is designed to help companies achieve consistent environmental compliance, together with continuous improvements in environmental performance.  ISO14001 accredited companies confirm that they have recognised the potential environmental impact of their activity and are committed to managing and reducing this impact with meeting or exceeding legislative requirements.

During 2009/10 8451 tons of recycled aggregates, 314 tons of recycled top soil and 1,253 tons of recycled rubber granules have been used by Thornton Sports to construct outdoor sports facilities. These figures only take into consideration the major projects undertaken; even more recycled products will have been used across all projects.

The adjacent graph depicts the number of our clients who have been offered recycled aggregates and alternative technologies. Our aim is to reduce the amount of new aggregates/materials used in the construction of new sports facilities. 80 clients have been offered numerous differing recycled aggregates and alternative technologies throughout 2009/10 alone. During 2011 we hope to increase this number even further ...

The synthetic grass is recovered in an environmentally friendly manner by firstly removing the sand and/or rubber infill and then it is rolled and packaged for protection during transportation. The surfaces can then be provided to farms, equestrian centres or golf clubs, free of charge, as an extension to their useful life. For example farmers have successfully used synthetic grass to cover floors of sheds for the winter months and also to cover trackways to help keep cows/livestock clean.

The recovery and re-use of synthetic surfaces is just one aspect of Thornton Sports’ ISO14001 accredited environmental system, which also includes the use of ground stabilisation to reduce the need for fill materials, and the sourcing of necessary fill materials from demolition waste.

If you are a farm, equestrian centre or golf club that would be interested in utilising a recycled synthetic sports surface please contact us on 01282 777 345 or email info@thorntonsports.co.uk.

The school's new 3rd-generation sports pitch, officially opened on 1^st February, has been built on a site facing significant drainage issues and environmental considerations. The SudsSports system, patented by Thornton Sports, incorporates a lightweight, modular, interlocking plastic unit storage system within the sub-base layer of a pitch. Designed for use as a drainage component and sub-base replacement system, it provides a sustainable and cost effective combined sports surface and water management system for problem sites such as these.

The SudsSports units made from recycled, recyclable and reuseable materials provide a 95% factory formed void ratio, allowing shallow attenuation, infiltration and drainage. The units can be installed as a blanket layer underneath a pitch, or, as in the case of Malton School, as SudsSports conduits, to provide a ‘zero-discharge' flood prevention solution.

Information derived from percolation tests conducted at the project onset was used by Thornton Sports to tailor the system specifically to the site's requirements, in conjunction with partners The Environmental Protection Group, SEL Environmental and Permavoid. Since the project's completion the drainage system has performed excellently, and the pupils of Malton School along with the local community, look forward to being able to use their new, long awaited sports pitch facility.

For further information about the SudsSports system contact us on 01282 777 345 or email info@thorntonsports.co.uk.

It's a common misconception that synthetic turf pitches can be played upon in absolutely any weather condition. Snow and icecan result in a pitch being unsuitable for use due to the risk of damaging the surface and the health and safety implications. However thankfully there are steps that can be taken to prevent this from happening.

Snow or ice itself is not actually harmful to the synthetic turf, and can be allowed to melt naturally. Typically, however, the surface will be required for use before the surface has had chance to melt. If a good foothold can be achieved in the infill (by using studded shoes) and it is safe to do so, then the pitch may be used. However heavy use of a frozen pitch should be discouraged as the fibres become brittle at low temperatures and hence may be damaged. Furthermore, the shock absorption of the fibres is reduced, increasing the possibility of injury being caused to the players.

Rock salt and chemical de-icers should NOT be used as they can damage the UV stability of the surface. If necessary vacuum-dried salt can be used, as this will dissolve quickly and melt the ice without harming the fibre. If possible, this is best used as a preventative measure and applied in advance of cold weather conditions. Another alternative is for a heating system to be installed within the shock-pad layer of a pitch, however in most cases this is not a cost-effective solution.

In terms of snow fall, we recommend that if there’s just a relatively light dusting, the best way to try to clear the surface is actually to play upon it. However if, as we’ve experienced over recent months, the pitch experiences a heavier snowfall, this is unlikely to be possible. A pitch can be cleared with a snow plough that has been fitted with a rubber edged snow guard. Note however that it is important to clear the snow to a height of approximately 5cm only, as the frozen turf could be easily damaged if the snow is ploughed too deeply. Brushes can be used to clear the remaining 5cm of snow from the surface, however be aware that the infill may still be frozen.

In cases where heavy rain falls on a frozen pitch, or snow and ice thaw quickly, the field may become flooded, as the frozen sand infill prevents the water draining. A pitch that we installed at University Academy in Keighley recently experienced this problem, see lower photograph above. A pitch flooded in this way should not raise concern as the pitch will drain when the infill has thawed.

Overall, the best course of action if a pitch is covered in snow or ice, is simply to allow the surface the thaw. However if user demands deem this not possible, be careful to follow these guidelines to protect your pitch and the players upon it.

For further information about snow ploughs fitted with rubber edged snow guards please contact our synthetic surface maintenance specialists, Protech AllWeather, on 0116 288 6782 or email info@thorntonsports.co.uk.

Since 1993 we have manufactured over two million square metres of synthetic grass from our UK manufacturing plant, consistently meeting the highest quality standards. A commitment to research & development has delivered solutions to problems experienced by many other manufacturers, such as fibre-loss and poor drainage.

The surfaces meet specifications set at both amateur and professional levels for a wide variety of sports such as tennis, hockey, football and rugby. Our sand-filled/sand-dressed surfaces are certified by the LTA/ITF and FIH. Many of our long-pile SoccerTurf surfaces are IATS accredited, plus our SoccerTurf Rugby Pro M surface has recently been approved in accordance with IRB Regulation 22, a performance specification recognised by the Rugby Football Union.

Agents are being sought now to market these excellent surfaces across Northern Ireland, Ireland and the rest of Europe. For further information about this exciting opportunity to become one of our commission-based agents please contact us.

We look forward to working with you.

The full range of Thornton Sports products and services were profiled, with interest being shown in many aspects, from synthetic grass sports pitch construction to pitch maintenance programmes and machinery.

Despite the less than ideal weather conditions experienced, the show was reasonably attended by a wide range of open space professionals. We're looking forward to developing new partnerships with those that visited our stand and working with them towards a positive 2011.

A commitment exists throughout the whole team to maintain the highest standards in protecting the environment. We are extremely proud to retain this standard, which illustrates the excellent procedures in place across our offices, manufacturing plant and project sites.

The team got off to a magnificent start winning 16 - 1 against an under strength JL F.C; fellow new comers to the second division. Team captain Adam Booth commented "the result was excellent and underlined the great team spirit and all the hard work the lads put in on the night; especially as we have only played two practice matches prior to our first game!".

The team has twelve league fixtures this season and two cup games with a possible further three cup games if they qualify for the final stages of the cup. The next fixture is Vs Green Army on Thursday 5th August 2010 at 8:50pm.

Good luck to the team for the next game and the rest of the season.

The contract included a full resurface of the 400m 8-lane track with our 'Polyflex 950-3' sandwich system, the installation of kerbs, construction of jump pits and run ups and a new synthetic D. To compliment the construction works, GTC Sports Ltd (part of Thornton Sports group) furnished the facility by providing a range of sports equipment including a hammer/ discus cage, water jump hurdle, pole vault troughs, long jump troughs and rugby posts.

The refurbished track has been well received by those who led the project including Culture and Sport Glasgow, the Scottish Rugby Union, Glasgow City Council, and members of the local community are already benefiting from the quality of facilities provided.

Delivering the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games will require the procurement of goods, works and services of all types and value from an enormous range of companies and Thornton Contracts Ltd are proud to have been selected to play a part. This is not the first time Thornton Contracts Ltd has been involved in the prestigious Commonwealth Games, having carried out works to training facilities in readiness for the Manchester Commonwealth Games 2002.

Passing our six monthly environmental audit ensures continued ISO14001 accreditation. Furthermore, the annual review of our health and safety systems resulted in renewal of our CHAS accreditation.

These recent achievements illustrate the emphasis placed on both safety and sustainability on every project.

The school are currently having a multi use sports pitch constructed, with our SoccerTurf 40M surface. The pupils were interested to find out how their pitch is being constructed, discover the different types of surface available and see the machinery and equipment that will manufacture the synthetic grass for their own new sports pitch.

Following the visit David Hampson, Head of School for Alder Grange, commented “I would like to express my sincere thanks for the company’s kind cooperation in hosting the visit by our GCSE PE group on Tuesday.  The feedback we received was very positive, with the pupils being very complimentary about your organisation and the quality of the information they received”.

At sites where there are poor or unstable ground conditions, this technique works well, as illustrated at recent projects for Westholme School in Blackburn and Gainsborough Educational Village.

Furthermore, as the technique reduces the aggregate depth required, it can prove very cost-effective in locations experiencing very high value aggregates, as found on our recent projects at Black Lion Leisure Centre in Gillingham and Bexhill High School.

By reducing the aggregate amount required, and subsequently lowering the number of vehicle movements to transport that, this technique is both environmentally-friendly and cost-effective; benefitting Thornton Sports, our clients and the environment.

Approval at this highest possible level, in line with the performance specification recognised by the Rugby Football Union, illustrates the excellent performance of this surface and its suitability for full contact Rugby.

This affiliation means that GTC Sports is now and approved installer of Mondo indoor flooring systems in the UK.

Mondo's range of indoor surfaces includes:

• Parquet timber sports floor
• Total thickness: 41mm
• Ideal for sports halls and training halls
• FIBA approved for international basketball matches

The completion of the MUGA in Autumn 2009 marked the culmination of an exciting vision by the school to develop an existing natural grass area on the school site. An initial site inspection by one of Thornton Contract's experienced Contracts Managers led to a detailed design being put forward complete with precise costings. Following further consultation with our dedicated team, the school officially appointed Thornton Contracts to carry out the project. 

The Product

The MUGA, including two recessed areas to accommodate goals, is surfaced with our 'Classic 10' synthetic grass. This surface has proved to be a fantastic option particularly in primary school situations. It can be installed without any sand infill which eliminates the chance of eye irritation by young users. Without sand infill this also proves beneficial to the school caretaker as this means minimal maintenance is required. Furthermore, being UK manufactured, the selection of 'Classic 10' not only helps to support the UK economy but also helps to reduce the carbon footprint of the school.

An in-situ rubber shockpad layer was installed beneath the synthetic grass to ensure a more cushioned feel which will enhance the playing characteristics of the surface for sports such as 5-a-side football.   

The 300+ pupils at the school are certain to reap the rewards of the new MUGA for many years to come which means that physical education will be maintained whatever the weather.

Gol is the premier 5-a-side company in Wales, and the Newport facility represents repeat business for Thornton Contracts following the construction of a similar centre in Cardiff in 2006. Gol Centre Newport boasts six 5-a-side courts and one 7-a-side court as well as two changing rooms with hot showers, a licensed bar, children's party area and ample parking.

Following an initial site survey, Thornton Contracts worked closely with Gol to put forward detailed plans from which this impressive facility was to develop from. Our "SoccerTurf 50M" 3rd Generation synthetic grass was selected as the preferred surface. With sand and rubber crumb infill, "SoccerTurf 50M" looks, feels and plays like natural turf.

The pitches are surrounded by carefully designed fencing incorporating timber rebound boards to the lower sections and roof netting to completely enclose each pitch. To maximise usage, a floodlighting system was installed with the lamps being fitted onto specially installed raised height fenceposts, to provide a neat design solution.

The facility is anticipated to be intensively used, with local footballers eagerly awaiting the experience of playing on SoccerTurf. Pitches will be available to hire for one day tournaments and competitions, children's parties and weekend soccer schools as well as hosting various Gol Centre leagues.

Gol Centre Newport represents another notable 'design and build' project for Thornton Sports, and without a doubt has marked the dawn of an exciting era for local footballers.

The synthetic pitch, located next to the school, is set within a residential area. Its former out-dated floodlight scheme, with lamps that created a significant amount of light spillage, had caused excessive light pollution in the local area for many years. So much so that one local resident, and keen astronomer, had started a personal campaign in 2007 to see if improvements could be made.

With school funding obtained for the construction of the new pitch, by Thornton Sports, emphasis was placed on ensuring lighting would be improved at the same time. The installation of low glare, full cut-off, double asymmetric beam floodlights resulted in the lighting being directed onto the pitch while the dark sky quality overhead was improved.

Local resident, Chris Reeves said ‘‘I am grateful that Lymm High School obtained funding for the new lighting and delighted with the superb installation – an excellent result for the Campaign for Dark Skies. Well done!’’

The difference has been clear for all to see with the project receiving coverage on BBC TV regional news. The new floodlighting solution, installed by Thornton Sports has been good for the school, the sporting community, the local environment, local residents and, of course, good for local astronomers too. Stars all round!

(Before and after photographs courtesy of Macclesfield Astronomical Scoiety - www.maccastro.com)

In Summer 2009 Thornton Contracts Ltd successfully completed the construction of a full size synthetic grass pitch and a block of 6 macadam tennis courts for Westholme School in Blackburn. With these new facilities the school, which has been awarded the prestigious Gold Mark Sports Award, will now be in a position to host high profile tournaments with other schools for hockey, netball and tennis.

Jeremy Hunt MP, Shadow Secretary for Culture, Media and Sport, unveiled the new facilities on Tuesday 29th September.

The Product

The first-class playing surface is surfaced with Thornton Sport's 'Premier 10' sand dressed product, which incorporates an LSR yarn and a unique backing system to improve drainage. Furthermore, the manufacture of 'Premier 10' in the UK helps to reduce carbon footprints.

The Response

Mr John Henwood, Bursar for Westholme School, was so impressed with the works that he commented on the Independent Schools Bursar Association website:

"Having just completed on a complex and technically difficult project to convert a heavily sloping clay field I am very happy to recommend Thornton Contracts Ltd if anyone is considering such work. We are delighted with the work Thorntons have done and their wilco attitute. I am happy to discuss with anyone by email or phone."

The new facilities will enhance Westholme School's reputation as a centre of educational excellence, and add to Thornton Sport's impressive portfolio of independent school clients.

On Friday 25th of September 2009 the brand new 3rd Generation synthetic grass pitch was officially opened at Birchwood Community High School; by Andy Gatcliffe; the Chief Executive of Super League team and recent Challenge Cup Winners Warrington Wolves.

The ceremony marked the culmination of an excellent partnership between Thornton Sports and the school; with Thornton Sports providing assistance from the initial planning stage including providing detailed AutoCAD design drawings.

The Surface:

The chosen surface was Thornton Sport's "SoccerTurf 40M" 3rd Generation sand/rubber filled synthetic grass which satisfies both F.A. and F.I.H. performance requirements. Furthermore; being manufactured in the UK, this aided in the reduction of the schools carbon footprint.

The Response:

The new surface is already making a major impact. Ralph Johnson; Business Manager at the school commented; "the feedback we have had from our learners and community users has been very positive with everyone raving over the fabulous surface".

During the opening ceremony the Head Teacher; Ms. Anne Bright made a special reference to Thornton Sport's construction works being both on-time and within budget.

The new synthetic pitch marks an exciting time for the school and also another successful "SoccerTurf 40M" installation for Thornton Sports.

Flexiflor® Safety Surface has been specifically designed by GTC Sports as an impact absorbing system of surfacing for children's playgrounds. This is a multi-component polyurethane/rubber composite, which is formed 'in situ' by chemical mixing, wet pouring and leveling, and a screeding and rolling process. This provides a durable, easy to maintain play surface.

As the photographs show, the surface finish is of the highest quality and the entire area looks wholly suitable for a children's play area. The graphics are also, as you can see, expertly applied to the surface, which makes the play area more enjoyable for the children that will use it.

After reading this article, should you have any enquiries about Flexiflor® Safety Surfacing, please do not hesitate to contact GTC Sports on 01282 777 678.

As you can see from the photographs, the installation at St. Peter's illustrates the excellence of GTC Sports' refurbishment works. The finish is of a high standard and is an example of what a sports hall floor can, and should, aspire to be; aesthetically pleasing and, more importantly, fit for purpose.

The sanding, line marking and re-sealing of timber sports hall floors is just one of the refurbishment services GTC Sports are able to offer. For more information regarding the repair, refurbishment or new installation of point, area and mixed elastic sports hall flooring systems, please call GTC Sports on 01282 777 678.

Supplied and installed to 'UK Athletics' standards, the 9/7m metre throwing cage is a welcome upgrade to the facilities at Sutton Leisure Centre. As the photographs show, both the groundwork and equipment specification have been completed to a very high standard, giving the staff and members an excellent hammer/discus facility.

In addition to the 9/7 metre cage installed at Sutton Leisure Centre, GTC Sports can also offer 10/7 metre cages, which can be installed to 'IAAF' standards, if required.

To compliment the throwing events, GTC Sports are also able to provide a full range of athletics equipment and facilities to suit the following:

• Long/triple jump
• Pole vault
• High jump
• Track events
• A multitude of supporting equipment: trollies, shelters and covers, amongst others
• Facilities for disabled athletes

Flexiflor® is designed and installed to combine high quality multi-sport performance with minimal maintenance requirements throughout the range. Using Flexiflor® P.U. as an example, this desirable combination is made possible by the very nature of the seamless surface itself, which is wet laid onto a suitable sub-base that has been prepared in accordance with installation guidelines set out by BS EN 14904 2006.

The absence of seams and the point-elastic qualities of the polyurethane material make Flexiflor® P.U. the ideal flooring system for multi-purpose use in any indoor sports environment.

Also, when any of the Flexiflor® range is used in conjunction with our own registered floor protection system, Flortector®, the flexibility and versatility of the indoor sports environment is enhanced even further, adding the ability to host examinations and stage various other events without the risk of damage to the underlying floor. 

Fibrelastic® which involves the use of polyurethane fibres in addition to polypropylene fibres, was introduced following an encouraging two year fibre reinforcement research programme by the STRI.

Dr Vic Armond from Mansfield Sand Company says: “The Fibrelastic® Turf surface has all of the attributes provided by a typical fibre reinforced, sand dominant rootzone but most important of all, it is more player friendly because of the reduced hardness and extra resilience of the surface.”

Key Benefits of Fibrelastic® Pitches

• Enhanced cushioning effect reducing surface hardness
• Player friendly
• Increased Live grass cover
• Improved traction

Recent projects:

• Llanelli Scarletts
• Oulder Hill High School
• Mellish Fields
• Buckshaw Village
• Rugby School
• Harrow School
• Leckwith Stadium

For further information contact info@thorntonsports.co.uk, call 01282 777345

Sports and Play Construction Association Exhibition, Tuesday 30th June, Ricoh Arena, Coventry

Institute of Groundsmanship - IOG Saltex, Windsor Racecourse, 9th to 11th September 2009

Come along and discuss with one of our team your sporting project requirements:

If you require any further information please contact info@thorntonsports.co.uk or call us on 01282 777345

For further information contact karen@thorntonsports.co.uk or see Burnley FC's official website www.burnleyfc.com

Bespoke orders are also welcomed as many of the machines have been designed or adapted to suit customer specific requirements.

The range of products is as follows and includes the exclusive TG3 Grooming Machine

• SGE-M0300 – TG3 Grooming Machine,
• SGE-M0301 – Leaf Blower,
• SGE-M0302 – Power Mower,
• SGE-M0303 – Towed Sweeper,
• SGE-M0304 – Arena Maintenance Unit,
• SGE-M0305 – Fertiliser Broadcaster 50ltr, 
• SGE-M0306 – Fertiliser Broadcaster 100ltr, 
• SGE-M0307 – Guard for Fertiliser Broadcasters, 
• SGE-M0308 – ATV/Quad Mounted Sprayer, 
• SGE-M0309 – 3 Point Linkage Mounted Sprayer, 
• SGE-M0310 – Small Salt Spreader,
• SGE-M0311 – Combination Grass Care System, 
• SGE-M0312 – Hard Surface Towed Sweeper, 
• SGE-M0313 – Triangular Brush, 
• SGE-M0314 – Power Sprayer and
• SGE-M0315 – Powered Sweeper. 

For further information please contact us on 01282 777 678 or email: gtc@thorntonsports.co.uk

All the artificial grass we supply can be installed by our specially trained staff at a very reasonable cost. Have a look for yourself at  www.leaveusalawn.co.uk

The list, compiled by Haworths Chartered Accountants, ranked companies by pre-tax profit. These figures were compiled using the latest data publicly available with additional research based on accounts filed at Companies House.

The short-listed companies were reviewed by a panel comprising Haworths Chartered Accountants and Lancashire Business View.

For further information contact info@thorntonsports.co.uk

STONYHURST COLLEGE

CLITHEROE TENNIS CLUB

LLANELLI SCARLETTS

We offer an extensive range of products including synthetic grass pitches, tennis courts, athletics tracks and multi use areas. Our synthetic grass pitches have been manufactured in house since 1981 by Nordon Ltd, a member company. With over 30 years experience and the combined expertise of 4 companies we are able to offer our customers a 'total solution'.

David Saxby, Managing Director "Although given current difficult trading conditions, I am pleased that Thornton Sports continue to maintain a significant presence in the market place"

Recent contracts awarded include:

• LLanelli Scarletts Stadium - Athletics Track and natural grass pitch plus sports equipment
• Warwick School, Redhill, Surrey - long pile pitch plus sports equipment
• Corinthians Sports Club, Kent - 3rd Generation Pitch
• 3 x North Ayrshire Local Authority Schools - 3 x 3rd generation pitches and sports equipment
• Salford Schools BSF - 2 synthetic pitches and 2 macadam MUGAs
• Bishop Burton College of Agriculture - 3rd Generation Pitch
• Stockport Road, Denton - 3rd Generation Pitch
• St Johns C of E School, Worksop - 2 x sand-filled MUGA
• Scarborough Council -MUGA
• Welland Park College, Market Harborough - Sand Filled synthetic pith
• Badminton Centre, Hull - Sports Hall floor refurbishment
• Leeds United Football Club - Sports Hall flooring refurbishment
• Morton Stadium, Dublin - 10/7m hammer/discus cage
• Stonyhurst College, Clitheroe - Cricket Wicket refurbishment
• Wallsall Sports Club - Cricket Wicket refurbishment
• Nonsuch High School, Cheam - Sports Equipment
• National Sports Centre, Isle of Man - Full sized pitch replacement using our Premier 20 surface
• Reigate Grammar School - Pitch Replacement

For further information please email info@thorntonsports.co.uk

At the event, we will be exhibiting:

• Sports surfaces and maintenance operation 
• Leave Us A Lawn our brand new artificial grass product designed for gardens, pool surrounds, play and all domestic/commercial areas.
• The TG3 Grooming Machine for long pile artificial surfaces, exclusive to Thornton Sports

Visit www.iogsaltex.co.uk for further event information

 Please email info@thorntonsports.co.uk for further information.

The TG3 is available in two sizes to facilitate full size pitches; small MUGAs and 5 a-side areas where access is limited.

The TG3 has a wide range of functions to cater for all aspects of maintenance of a rubber filled surface. The unit can be coupled to any tractor or suitable motorised unit by means of either 3 point linkage or by tow pin or tow ball. The unit is light and easy to use and can be stored with ease using a minimum amount of space.

OPERATIONS OF THE TG3

The TG3 has been designed for a number of operations and these are as follows;

• The tines on the front of the machine will allow decompaction of the rubber which will result in greater drainage and a more level look and feel to the surface.
• The levelling bars will replenish the pile evenly to maintain the correct surface level. The rear brush will lift the fibres and brush the granules giving the desired look and presentation to the pitch.

We at Protech Allweather use this machine in our day to day maintenance contracts and are the sole users of the TG3 unit. We would be happy to demonstrate the TG3 and discuss maintenance of rubber filled synthetic surfaces with you.

For further information please contact Protech AllWeather on 01162 886782 or GTC Sports on 01282 777678 or email: gtc@thorntonsports.co.uk