A NORTH-EAST law firm has secured a major deal with an athletics governing organisation.

Muckle is the sole provider of legal services to England Athletics.

Bosses say the Newcastle-based company beat a number of specialist firms from across the UK to secure the two-year deal.

The coup is another success for Muckle, which already advises Durham County Cricket Club, Sport England, The Football Association, and the Caribbean Premier League Twenty 20 cricket tournament.

The firm says the England Athletics contract is being led by partner and head of sport, John Devine.

Mr Devine said: “The appointment reflects the strength of our sports team and builds on our national reputation.

“Our aim is to develop a strong partnership which we hope will be the start of a mutually successful relationship between our two organisations.

“We believe passionately in the value of sport in the community and are determined to do everything possible to promote sporting participation.”

England Athletics, which has its headquarters in Birmingham, focuses on increasing participation across communities, improving the experience of people taking part and supporting the development of the next generation of athletes.

Chris Jones, England Athletics’ chief executive, added: “Having completed a rigorous tendering process, we are delighted to have contracted Muckle as our sole legal advisers.

“The team has demonstrated a clear understanding of our organisational objectives and showed great enthusiasm and passion for what we do.

“We already knew they had the capabilities and since meeting the team we are confident there’s a good cultural fit between us too.”

Earlier this year, Muckle played a key role in guaranteeing a famous player’s involvement in the Caribbean Premier League.

The firm advised the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) on its Twenty 20 Cricket Tournament.

The firm’s team worked with CPL for eight months, and said it supported organisers to ensure former England batsman Kevin Pietersen took part.

The 34-year-old Pietersen played for the St Lucia Zouks, with the tournament beamed around the world to more than 200 million people.

Muckle’s work extended past Pietersen’s involvement, stretching to advice on participation agreements for each of the event’s six franchises, as well as television production tenders and agreements.

It also advised on sponsorship agreements with international organisations, such as airlines, health care companies and soft drinks makers, with its sports team handling players' and coaches' contracts, sponsorship and image rights.