Everton ambassador Ian Snodin and former Blues midfielder Steve McMahon proudly launched the Knowsley Sporting Legends Relay at Finch Farm on Monday.

The week-long relay takes place across the whole borough, celebrating and putting emphasis on Knowsley’s rich and varied sporting heritage.

Each day, the relay sees a famous sporting legend pass the baton to a key area in the borough, with local sporting and community clubs participating in activities and culminating in a huge, free sports day on Saturday at the Eddie McCardle playing fields.

And both Snodin and McMahon were delighted to kick things off at Everton’s training ground, followed by a short jaunt to the Halewood Leisure Centre, where 100 local schoolchildren took part in a walk around the grounds.

Ian said: “I am immensely proud of being an ambassador of this football club and honoured to be involved in the start of the Knowsley Sporting Legends Relay. I’d like to wish all the participants on their journey across the borough, all the very best.

McMahon added: “It’s a pleasure being back here. I know Knowsley so well as this is where I started, so I was immensely proud to come through the gates at Finch Farm and do this for the borough.

“I’ve been away in Asia for 15 years, and you realise the power of this magnificent city and this borough when you come back, so I’m sure it will be a massive success.”

Cllr Graham Morgan, leader of Knowsley Council said: “A huge well done to everyone who has been a part of this venture, which is part of Knowsley Borough’s Year of Culture.

“We’ve had a fantastic six or seven months already and it’s great to see Ian and Steve help to kick us off.

“The relay will travel the length of the borough and support the local communities, with local sporting groups, sportspeople and even the odd famous face popping up along the way, It promises to be a fantastic venture.”

Find out more about the Knowsley Sporting Legends Relay here.