PROVIDENT Personal Credit gave the Bulls a major boost last night after extending their sponsorship until 2017 despite the club's relegation from Super League.

In September 2012, the Bradford-based finance firm agreed a four-year £1.2million deal with the Bulls, which was hailed the biggest in Super League history.

That was set to run until 2016 but it is understood that, in light of the club dropping into the Championship, a new deal has been agreed on fresh terms.

The original agreement saw the Centenary Square money-lending firm's name emblazoned on the team's kit and Odsal renamed the Provident Stadium.

That will continue, with the news announced at last night's 'An Evening with the Bulls' event at Odsal.

Bulls chief executive Robbie Hunter-Paul said: "We are absolutely thrilled to have received such incredible, continued support from what is one of the city's biggest companies – and biggest employers.

"Provident Personal Credit have stood by the club through thick and thin and, together, we want to rise back to the sport's summit.

"The journey has begun for us and we are delighted to have Provident Personal Credit on board for what promises to be an exciting ride.

"In my 20 years working in the industry, I have seen few better partners than Provident Personal Credit.

"They have certainly set the benchmark in terms of how a partner operates, not only supporting the club but supporting the supporters."

Provident were established in 1880 and, like the club, are one of the city's oldest brands.

They employ over 3,700 people and have 9,500 self-employed home credit agents, while boasting over 2.7million customers across the UK and Ireland.

The Bradford-based firm are also seeking to look for new ways to work with the club's Academy to develop the talent of local youngsters.

Provident managing director Mark Stevens said: "While it has been a tough few years for the Bulls, we have thoroughly enjoyed our partnership with the club – through thick and thin.

"We have every faith in Marc Green and his team achieving their goal of getting the club back to where they belong, both on and off the pitch.

"So we are delighted to extend our partnership into a fifth year and join the Bulls every step of the way on their journey back."

Bulls chairman Marc Green also last night urged supporters to switch electricity and energy suppliers via Bull Power. This is being run through his company Smarta Environment, who will also sponsor the club's kit next season.

The Bulls revealed their new playing jersey for 2015 at last night's event.