Yorkshire have signed a new three-year sponsorship deal with Leeds and Holbeck Building Society to re-launch and develop their junior section which has been renamed the Junior Vikings.

The Junior Vikings, previously called the Junior Tykes, have a new logo and identity together with a new president in Yorkshire and England pace bowler Ryan Sidebottom.

He is keen to help encourage more children to visit Headingley and become involved in cricket.

The Vikings have nearly 1,000 members and it is expected that the re-launch and improved membership incentives will encourage many more youngsters up to the age of 14 to join.

In addition to sponsoring the Junior Vikings, Leeds & Holbeck have also launched two new savings accounts - the Junior Vikings account for under 18s and the White Rose account for adult Yorkshire members and supporters.

Each year the Society will donate one per cent of total balances in the White Rose account to the club to help fund its academy and develop new talent.

Leeds & Holbeck's general manager, Kim Rebecchi, said: "We are delighted to have this opportunity to link up with Yorkshire to encourage more youngsters to participate in the sport. Both organisations are seeking to attract more young members and this sponsorship is in our mutual interest."

Updated: 12:00 Wednesday, December 12, 2001