NORTH End today unveiled their new sponsor - number plate specialists NewReg.com.

The Deepdale outfit have been looking for a new shirt sponsor ever since BAXI, the world-famous boilermakers based in Bamber Bridge, pulled out earlier in the year.

Although not well-known locally, NewReg.com are a Preston-based company, who have developed a strong brand in the southern counties.

They have entered into a three-year deal with the Deepdale board.

Steve Jackson, managing director of NewReg.com said: "I've been looking for ways of marketing the company and as football attracts wide media coverage, the opportunity to grasp the position of primary sponsors at Deepdale and benefit both club and company was an opportunity too good to miss.

"New Reg has experienced great success over the last few years with turnover doubling annually. Anticipated further recruitment from the Preston area will increase staff levels by 50 per cent over the next few months and facilitate considerable expansion plans.

"We've watched PNE make similar progress and share their ambition in seeking to gain promotion to the premiership. The club's success will be our success, I've already had a sneak preview of the new first team strip and the New Reg logo looks fantastic.

"I am sure that the fans will like it as much as I do, in fact I have already ordered 150 shirts for members of my staff."

Details of the how much the deal has cost NewReg.com have not been revealed.

PNE Chief Executive Tony Scholes said: "The deal is a record one for the club. We were fortunate to have interest from several household brands and it is testimony to NewReg.com that they came up with the best deal. Not just financially, but also in terms of additional benefits.

"New Reg.com are a go-ahead business with a brand and image that fits well with football. I think that we will have a very good relationship over the next three years.

"This record sponsorship deal comes on the back of a record transfer of Jon Macken for £5 million earlier this month.

"While the sponsorship deal does not commence until next financial year, commercially it represents a significant improvement on the previous sponsorship deal and is testimony to how far Preston North End plc has come as a business.

"The agreement, which was signed on 18th March 2002 comes into effect from July 1st 2002. The NewReg.com logo will appear on the new replica shirts that will actually be launched in advance of that date courtesy of the agreement of Baxi for which Preston North End are grateful."