A NORTH-East photographic studio has won a major contract with British ice hockey's top league.

Touch the Sky Photography, of Durham, will supply all imagery, including regular match-night photography and special photo-shoots for the Ice Hockey Superleague (ISL).

The deal follows work with the league's marketing team to design a CD Rom and a recently launched Internet merchandise store.

They will also be involved in the production of match and event programmes and the ISL's website, www.iceweb.co.uk.

Touch the Sky has been involved with a number of North-East sports firms in the past and the new deal will see the company take on two more photographers.

Its creative head, David Glen Walker, has held the role of official photographer for the Newcastle Jesters Ice Hockey Club for more than three years, while the firm also provides visuals for the sport's Face-Off magazine.

Mr Walker, also assistant editor of the magazine, said: "Last year was a breakthrough year for us in the ice hockey world.

"The launch of Face-Off magazine gave us the opportunity and creative free rein to produce high quality imagery and broadcast it to a large audience.

"Naturally, we are absolutely thrilled to now be the official image supplier to the Superleague as we've again been given a fresh canvas to go out and produce the goods."

During the 2000-2001 season, Touch the Sky also provided the photography for the Newcastle Jesters pages of The Northern Echo's website, at www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk/sport/jesters.

Touch the Sky is also involved in speedway and basketball photography, and is working with Newcastle Falcons, England and British Lions rugby star Jonny Wilkinson.

To find out more about the firm, visit www.touchthesky.co.uk or telephone 0191-386 6503.