THE LANCASHIRE League's new £54,000 sponsorship deal with gas pipeline company Transco was officially unveiled at Rawtenstall CC last night.

The three-year deal is worth £18,000 a season with each of the league's 14 clubs receiving a share of the cash to help develop the sport.

League chairman Bert Hanson said: "We are delighted to welcome Transco as league sponsors and look forward to working with the company over the next three years to enhance and promote our game."

Transco Operations Manager Jim Ainsworth said: "Within Transco, we have a dedicated team which looks at ways of involving the company in local community actitivities and initiatives as we believe in the helping the people we serve.

"The deal we have struck with the Lancashire League enables us to continue this work by supporting the very popular league teams and their efforts to develop even greater participation in the game."

Meanwhile, Ribblesdale League champions Padiham have been given a bye into the second round of the Lancashire Cup.

They will visit the winners of the game between Penwortham and Bolton Indians.

In the first round, Ribblesdale Wanderers visit Denton West, Great Harwood are away to Monton, Cherry Tree entertain Duddon and Clitheroe are away to St Anne's.

Northern League champions Darwen have been drawn away at Wavertree, while Chorley have been given a bye into the second round when they will be at home to Ormskirk or Bootle.

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