WORCESTERSHIRE County Cricket Club has announced that Blackfinch Investments has been promoted to become their official main sponsor.

Blackfinch Investments were Worcestershire's official shirt sleeve sponsor across all formats for the 2016 campaign, as they sought to raise the profile of the company locally and - through live television exposure - nationally.

The firm, based in Chequers Close, Malvern, is a provider of tax-efficient investment solutions.

The company has also previously had in-ground branding at the club's New Road home, and often entertained clients through Worcestershire CCC membership and hospitality packages.

Now they are replacing Arctic Spas as the main sponsor for this year's campaign, with an option to extend the sponsorship for a further two years for 2018 and 2019.

Blackfinch CEO Richard Cook is hoping the partnership with Worcestershire will become "a long term relationship."

Mr Cook has supported the County for more than two decades and, along with Blackfinch Chief Investment Officer and fellow cricket fan Richard Simmonds, is a member of the MCC.

He has been Blackfinch Chief Executive Officer since 2009 overseeing the growth and expansion of the company within the UK retail market.

Mr Cook said: "We were shirt sleeve sponsors last year which gave us a good feel for how it is going to work as the main sponsor and we are over the moon to be taking on that role.

"I have been a supporter for at least 25 years and we are both members of the MCC and big all-round cricket fans.

"We have a client base who are typically sympathetic with cricket support.

"We are looking to access that network around the Worcestershire area so any property developers and businesses which are requiring funding - so we see it (the partnership) as a very good fit for us."

The County's chief executive, Tom Scott, added: "I am very pleased with the introduction of Blackfinch as our official main sponsor.

"They have already shown their commitment to the club with their previous sponsorship deal and we are delighted that partnership is being further extended."