Surrey secure huge sponsorship deal

Surrey have announced what they claim is "the biggest sponsorship deal in English club cricket history". Although no specific figures have been released, the five-year deal with Brit Insurance will run until the end of the 2010 season.

"These are exciting times for Surrey County Cricket Club," said Paul Sheldon, the county's chief executive. "With the completion of the redevelopment of the Vauxhall End we can proudly boast one of the finest arenas in world cricket.

"The support of Brit Insurance will be absolutely crucial in helping us to achieve our objectives both on and off the pitch."

Aside from naming rights over the ground, which will officially continue to be called The Brit Oval, the company will also sponsor Surrey's first-class and one-day strips.