SPONSORSHIP for York City Knights has hit a new high with today's announcement of a new deal with train company Arriva Trains Northern.

The Knights have signed a sleeve deal with the York-based company, which will see the club sport the Arriva logo on their shirtsleeves.

The logo will be featured for the first time in Sunday's crucial National League Two away fixture against high-flying Hunslet Hawks.

The Knights have already showed their ambitions to ally themselves with "reputable local businesses to create a commercial platform that will help them gain success on the field", and Knights commercial director Stephen Green was thrilled with the new partnership.

"Arriva has demonstrated yet again their determination to help sport in the region and we are delighted to be wearing their brand," said Green.

Arriva Trains, which has headquarters in York, has a growing presence in rugby league, having sponsored this year's National League Cup and having also tied up a deal with the top amateur set-up, the National Conference League, which features local sides Heworth and York Acorn ARLC.

Dyan Crowther, Arriva Trains Northern's commercial director, said: "Our support for rugby league embraces the amateur and professional game within the communities we serve across the North of England.

"It is encouraging to see how York City Knights are developing in their inaugural season and we are pleased to be teaming up with them."

Updated: 11:11 Friday, June 13, 2003