The Bristol Youth Cricket League has been boosted by the return of Konica Minolta as sponsors.

The company previously sponsored the league for six years from 2000, and the new three-year deal was announced at the County Ground, Bristol.

Steven Drayner, regional sales manager for Konica Minolta, said: "Konica Minolta was pleased to sponsor the UK Athletics this summer, and now return to grassroots sponsorship with our renewed association with the Bristol Youth Cricket League.

"It is a great pleasure to be investing into something which benefits both young people and the community."

Jim Donaldson, chairman of the league, said: "The launch of this partnership, or really its relaunch, is a further major step in the 38-year history of the Youth League.

"We enjoyed a six-year partnership with Konica Minolta from 2000, and it is a great privilege for us to be able to renew our association.

"In addition to the prestige involved, in practical terms Konica Minolta are to provide the league with £5,000 per year over the three years of the agreement with an option of a further two years. This will enable us to continue to develop various facets of the Youth Cricket League.

"Since 2000 we have expanded the numbers of teams playing by nearly 55 per cent, and last season around 3,000 youngsters were registered to play."