ONE of the longest-lasting sponsorship deals in non-league soccer has been extended by a further three years.

Hereford United's relationship with Sun Valley Foods, one of the city's biggest employers, has already lasted eight years and that will now be extended to 11 with a deal that takes them through to the end of the 2002-03 season.

Figures have not been quoted on the latest deal, but it is believed to be in line with the £30,000 paid for the interim one-year deal agreed last year and is another timely boost to the cash-strapped Bulls.

Sun Valley director Mark Sisson said: "We were very keen to keep on with the sponsorship. Hopefully we're going to get Hereford out of the Conference and back into the League where they belong.

"I think as the largest employer in the city it is important that we do as much as possible for the club."

Club director George Hyde added: "We're delighted that it is a three-year deal.

"It's a major international company but they have kept their feet in the community. We would like to think that other employers will get more heavily involved than they have done in the past."

It is a measure of the company's faith in the club that they have stuck with them despite their loss of Football League status three years ago.

And the amount of free publicity received during the club's FA Cup run last season is likely to have been a key factor in the extension of the deal.

A new kit for next season is also part of the package, with United returning to a predominantly white shirt with black trimmings.

This replaces the black and white quartered shirt which the club has worn for the last two seasons.