One of the region's most successful women's rugby teams have been given a great start to the new season.

The Thirsk Sharks have secured a major sponsorship deal with locally-based specialist vehicle manufacturers Multidrive Ltd.

"This is fantastic for the club," said the team's sponsorship manager Katie Bell. "We are grateful to Chris Chambers and his team at Mulitidrive for their support and we are looking forward to developing our relationship over the coming year. It is a great boost for the squad before our opening game."

The news of the deal came while the team was celebrating success, having taken the honours at the Carlisle Bank Holiday Ten-a-side competition.