Widnes Vikings have announced that they have established a partnership with Championship outfit Workington Town.

Vikings will send players to Town in order to gain first-team experience and Widnes coach Denis Betts has revealed his delight at the link.

"It is great to be involved with a team that is growing. Workington are a famous old club with plenty of history and have recently secured promotion into the Championship," Betts told reporters.

"They are now building on this and working hard to ensure they become an even stronger force in 2013. Alongside the talent already within their ranks, I've no doubt that the inclusion of some of our players will be just what they are looking for.

"Historically, Workington are keen on producing local players and I'm really looking forward to strengthening our links within Cumbria and helping them progress this even further."

Workington were promoted from Championship One in 2012.