IT SOLUTIONS firm Perfect Image has teamed up with ice hockey hopefuls the Newcastle KBS Vipers, to support the side's efforts to establish itself in the British National League.

Perfect Image specialises in developing intergrated IT platforms for clients from small businesses to blue chip organisations.

The company's one-year sponsorship deal included corporate season tickets and the firm's logo has been painted on the floor of the Newcastle Arena, before the ice was laid over it.

Bill Flower, who looks after sponsorship and marketing for the team said: "We aim to recruit as many North-East players as possible, so being sponsored by a local and very successful business is excellent news."

Perfect Image managing director Andrew Robson said: "We got involved thanks to the efforts of one of our staff, Melissa Young, who is an off-ice official with a keen interest in the sport. We're proud to be supporting a team with such a strong local connection."