One of the county's major property developers has signed a sponsorship deal with a leading non-league side.

Quinn Estates will have its name on the shirts of Sittingbourne for next season.

Among a host of projects Quinn - led by businessman Mark Quinn - has been involved in was the Connect 38 building in Ashford, the first new office building in a town centre in the county for 20 years.

Sittingbourne, who play at Woodstock Park, are currently in the Bostik League South East Division.

Maurice Dunk, chairman of Sittingbourne FC, said: “Having the Quinn Estates sponsorship means everything to our club, which has been a focal part of the local community for over 130 years. The company has a well-known track record for delivering what they say they will and leaving a lasting, positive impact in the local community.

“We’re looking forward to developing this relationship with Quinn Estates over the coming years, which will allow us to progress. It is the support of local sponsors that truly care about sports and leisure in the community that really helps us as a club.

“Sittingbourne FC looks after the main football stadium and four other pitches at Woodstock, which is home to over 20 teams proudly bearing our name. It is an incredibly expensive organisation to run and without the help of sponsors like Quinn Estates, supporters, volunteers, fundraising and grants running the club wouldn’t be possible.

“The club has more local people involved than at any time in its history and, looking ahead, we are hoping to develop local players to play at a higher level whilst constantly improving the facilities. One day we would love to be promoted to the league above, but more than anything else, we are striving to keep our club going strong – a vision that Quinn Estates’ sponsorship is now supporting.

“We’re proud to be associated with a company like Quinn Estates, who have developed a proven reputation of doing what they say they will something which is currently being illustrated at Herne Bay. This significant sponsorship deal should enable us to push forward as both a club and a community.”

Mark Quinn, CEO and chairman of Quinn Estates, said: “We are passionate about sport and leisure in the local community, so we are proud to sponsor Sittingbourne Football Club. We know so many local people volunteer their spare time to support the community here, so it’s the least we can do.

“Hopefully our support will help the club to grow and from everyone at Quinn Estates we wish Sittingbourne FC the best of luck for the season ahead.”