The Bradford League's expansion drive has been boosted by a sponsorship deal with motor group JCT 600.

Just a week after the league advertised for new clubs, it revealed a two-year, five-figure deal with the company, who also sponsor the Bulls and Bradford & Bingley Rugby Union Club.

The agreement continues the progress made by the league over the last 12 months, which has seen them make a raft of changes to improve their competition.

Chairman Graham Reid said: "It is wonderful to get the support of such a high-profile company like JCT, especially at such a key time when we are looking to attract new teams.

"I am absolutely delighted that another quality, locally-based company is becoming associated with the Bradford Cricket League. JCT is a name almost synonymous with sport in the area."

The company, set up by Jack Tordoff, is in its fifth season of sponsorship with the Bulls, having also sponsored Bradford City for nine seasons until the club turned down their renewal offer in the spring.

On the firm's move into a new sport, group marketing manager Christine Gilliver said: "It is a natural extension of our portfolio of sponsorship in the local area. Having covered soccer, rugby league, rugby union and now cricket, it completes the circle.

"The Bradford League is one of the most prestigious leagues within the country and we see it as a very valuable investment. As a Bradford company, we are always keen to support sport in the city."

She added that special offers with JCT exclusive to league club players and members would be made available as a part of the deal.

A significant proportion of the new funding will be ploughed into junior cricket.

"To ensure the continued development of the league, it is important that we assist with the growth of grass-roots cricket," said Reid.

Among the new measures which the league brought in at the start of the season were a bonus-points system to encourage more positive cricket and over-rate regulations to speed up play.

Other new directives include 15-over restrictions on bowlers and fielding circles and leg-side wides in cup competitions.

JCT succeed Steeton-based Specialist Ducting Supplies, who step down after four years of sponsorship at the end of this season. The League will now be called the JCT 600 Bradford League.