A PORT has signed a deal to continue supporting Durham County Cricket Club.

The Port of Tyne, in South Shields, South Tyneside, has extended its sponsorship of the team’s one-day shirt.

The deal will run until 2016.

It will also see thousands of schoolchildren take part in the club’s foundation programme, which, in partnership with the port, gets youngsters playing the game.

Andrew Moffat, Port of Tyne chief executive, said: “We’re delighted to be associated with the sporting success of the club.”

David Harker, the cricket club’s chief executive, added: “This is a really significant partnership helping the club look forward and meet our long-term objectives.”