APOLLO 2000, Worcestershire's main sponsor for the forthcoming season, have vowed to make a 'substantial commitment' to the club.

The electrical retailers -- who were officially unveiled as the County's new backer yesterday -- have signed a one-year contract with the New Road side and the deal includes an option for a further 12 months.

The sponsorship will see the company's logo placed on the first team's Liverpool Victoria County Championship and Pro40 strips, as well as branding on an additional first team kit.

Jon Graham, head of marketing for Apollo 2000, said: "We've sponsored Worcestershire in various guises since 1993. We have been involved with the youth development programme for a number of years and when the opportunity came up to become the main sponsor it was a natural progression.

"We would say we have made a substantial commitment.

"Over the last 10 to 13 years we've put hundreds of thousands of pounds into the club and it is fair to say we are spending more this year than we ever have before."

The County's commercial director, David Leatherdale, added: "We are delighted that Apollo 2000 have decided to increase their involvement with the club. The relationship has proved successful over the years and I look forward to building on it even further over 2006 and seasons to come."