Alastair Campbell, former press adviser to Prime Minister Tony Blair and ardent Burnley supporter, today praised York-based Hunters estate agents.

First Division Burnley yesterday announced a record six-figure sponsorship deal with Hunters, whose logo will be emblazoned across the famous claret and blue shirts for the next two seasons.

The deal was announced as Hunters, which has already expanded into Leeds, officially opened its new Manchester office, said to be the city's largest property services centre.

Mr Campbell described the deal as "fantastic news for the club, and for the whole community".

He said: "I've taken some stick in my time, as have many people from Yorkshire, for the fact that we support a Lancashire club.

"But now our main sponsor comes from Yorkshire too, hopefully all that nonsense will stop. This is the latest indication that people will realise that whatever difficulties we have, Burnley FC is going places."

So why Burnley? Kevin Hollinrake, who with his brother, Keith, both helped to start the estate agency in 1992, originally hailed from Todmorden, near Burnley and, like their late father, Geoffrey, were both Burnley supporters. Kevin said: "Dad died last year and he would have been very proud."

Burnley FC's chief executive, Dave Edmundson, told the club's official website, www.burnleyfootballclub.com: "This is the biggest sponsorship deal in the history of Burnley Football Club and we are delighted to welcome Hunters Estate Agents on board as our official sponsor.

"Hunters is already a well-known brand across the north, and it is fantastic that a company of this size and stature has chosen Burnley as a vehicle for its brand development."

Hunters also sponsors York and District Cricket league, taking over from Costcutters three years ago.

"That won't be affected at all," said Kevin. "On the contrary, we have just signed on for another year."

Since the Hollinrakes started Hunters with fellow director John Waterhouse in 1992, the venture has expanded into ten offices - in Shambles and Bishopthorpe, York, as well as Harrogate, Wetherby, Ripon, Haxby, Acomb, Easingwold, Leeds and now Manchester.

In 2002 it won the Progress Through People title in the Evening Press Business of the Year Awards.

Updated: 09:42 Thursday, April 15, 2004