LASHINGS chairman David Folb has negotiated a sponsorship deal with enterpreneur Gary Pankhurst who is to plough £250,000 into the cricket club's world XI over the next three years.

Pankhurst, 38, from Barming, is no stranger to backing local sport and in particular Maidstone Hockey Club where he is club captain and has been the main sponsor for the past four years.

His firm, based in Orpington, specialises in supplying and erecting hoardings around building and demolition sites.

The Lashings world XI will carry the name of Pankhurst's company on their shirts. The businessman said: "I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't think that it would have considerable benefits for my business.

"We spend a fortune in corporate entertaining and to be able to entertain clients and business friends in the company of former Test captains and current Test players is a marvellous opportunity which I am very excited by."

Folb said: "It ensures that we can continue to bring the very best international cricket players to the Maidstone area."