THE Devon Cricket League will have a new title sponsor this summer for the first time since 2002.
The new sponsor is Tolchards, the Newton Abbot-based drinks wholesaler.
Jim Mardell (pictured) managing director for Tolchards said: "I have personally supported the county club for many years and this seems an ideal progression to have this opportunity of sponsoring the Devon Cricket League.
"Many of our products are synonymous with summer and nothing more typically reflects that than the game of cricket."
Tolchards is one of the fastest-growing independent companies in Devon, which has an increasing portfolio of customers including a large number of cricket clubs in the Devon Cricket League.
Stuart Munday, chairman of the Devon Cricket League said: 'The League has worked with Tolchards during the 2014 season.
'We have some exciting plans in place to work with Tolchards and raise their brand awareness with more of our member clubs joining them.'
The Devon Cricket League will now become the Tolchards Devon Cricket League.
Tolchards have replaced the previous League Sponsors, Francis Clark.
"Francis Clark have been tremendous supporters for the DCL," said Munday
"We are sorry to see Francis Clark go but wish to thank them for all of their support.
"They are an excellent company and a real pleasure to work with."
Tolchards are only the sixth title sponsor of the competition since it was formed in 1972.
There was no sponsor at all until 1981 when Mod Dec Windows, the Newton Abbot double-glazing company run by Mike Bateson, signed up. They supported the competition until 1992.
The next sponsors were Bowrings Insurance Brokers, whose tenure ran from 1993-95.
There was no sponsor in 1996 or 1997. Between 1998-99 ALC Windows were league sponsors.
There was another change in 2000 when Orion Windows (Paignton) took over as title sponsor.
Francis Clark took over in 2002 and their 13-year stint makes them the longest-serving sponsor so far.