DUNNINGTON-BASED supermarket chain Costcutter are to sponsor Yorkshire County Cricket Club this season.

The deal is described as "the biggest one-year agreement in county cricket history."

The supermarket group whose managing director is Colin Graves, Yorkshire's chief executive, will take over from Yorkshire Tea as the club's main sponsor this season.

Although figures have not been made public it is believed that the deal is "significantly more" than £100,000.

As part of the new £1.5 million North East Enclosure development at Headingley, Costcutter will also be providing the initial funding for a state of the art electronic scoreboard costing circa £270,000.

The deal will see Yorkshire's one-day shirts change from orange and black to navy blue.

Ian Bishop, marketing director of Yorkshire CCC said: "We are delighted that Costcutter and their associated group of companies have decided to increase their already considerable support for the County Club.

"The substantial amount of money paid for the shirt branding on top of the initial funding for the new state of the art scoreboard, surely makes this deal the biggest one-year agreement in county cricket history".

The club's annual accounts, which showed a big improvement in their finances since Graves took charge, also indicated the club is poised to buy the Headingley ground within the next four months.

Nick Ivel, Costcutter finance director said: "Costcutter are proud to be associated with The Yorkshire County Cricket Club and are keen to play a part in their continued revival. We believe that on the field Yorkshire has the right blend of experience and youth to bring success that the county deserves".

Costcutter are previous sponsors of the York and District Senior League.

Updated: 10:31 Thursday, March 04, 2004