YOUTH cricket in Devon has landed one of its biggest sponsorship deals which will benefit thousands of youngsters across the county.

The Exeter Family Friendly business has agreed to back the Devon Cricket Board Youth Association in a three-year package worth more than £25,000.

The money will go towards new kit and equipment and the general running costs of the association, which provides and administers cricket for thousands of young players at various age groups in Devon.

The partnership was officially launched at the new Sir Christopher Ondaatje Devon Cricket Centre at Exeter University.

Exeter Family Friendly sales and marketing director Richard Wyatt-Haines met officials and players from a Devon under-15 development squad before they flew out for a tour of South Africa.

The squad is skippered by promising batsman and bowler Michael Cousens.

Martin Webb, chairman of the DCBYA, said: "This is a significant step forward which will benefit young cricketers across the county.

"We are delighted with the really excellent new agreement.

"Exeter Family Friendly are an impressive company with a good understanding of our needs.

"We are looking forward to working with them to our mutual benefit."

Wyatt-Haines, who has close links with Bovey Tracey Cricket Club, says the money will not only support youngsters of a county standard. It is aimed at helping players of all ability and will be used towards the Chance to Shine programme, which introduces cricket to youngsters at primary and secondary schools across the county as part of the school curriculum.

Wyatt-Haines added: "We are delighted to be supporting the growth and development of young cricketers in Devon.

"Our involvement means that the Devon Cricket Board can help talented cricketers and those young people who normally wouldn't get the chance to experience the game.

"Our business is about minimising the impact of ill-health on families by helping our customers to pay their bills if they fall ill or get injured, so that families can keep their roof over their head and continue to meet their commitments.

"We know that keeping fit is a good way to keep healthy and we know cricket is a game that involves families right across the county.

"As a result, we jumped at the chance to sponsor Devon youth cricket so there are more players and hopefully Devon can produce some of the future stars of the game.

"Michael Cousens is one of those who has the potential to be an England player in the future and we hope that our involvement will play a small part in his future success."