York City today announced a major new signing.

The football club has teamed up with one of York's biggest employers in a unique community partnership for the current season.

The supporter-owned Minstermen have been calling on local businesses to back the club since the Supporters' Trust take-over in March.

Now Nestle have agreed to become the club's 'community partner' in a deal believed to be worth five figures.

As part of the agreement, the Family Stand at Bootham Crescent will now be known as the Nestl Family Stand.

In addition, there will be two Nestl Family Days during the season when company employees can take their children to watch City in action forfree.

All other children on those days, which will be Saturday, September 20, when City entertain Bristol Rovers and Sunday, December 21, when Kidderminster Harriers visit Bootham Crescent, will pay just £1.

Ian Jobson, factory manager for York, said: "With so many of our employees supporters of the club, and with our continued commitment to the community, we felt it was appropriate that Nestl became involved as a community partner.

"We're looking forward to making the most of the partnership and we hope to see players, or even the team's Yorkie the Lion mascot, visiting the chocolate factory."

York City communications director Sophie McGill said: "We are delighted to have a new community partner.

"It is fantastic to see Nestle are showing such great support to York City and recognise the importance of a local football club to the community. The support of local businesses is crucial to the survival and success of the club and we are looking forward to working with them closely during the season."

Updated: 11:09 Saturday, August 16, 2003