A GREENE King ale is set to become the official beer of Derbyshire County Cricket Club. The agreement, starting on May 16, will see Old Speckled Hen, which is brewed at Bury St Edmunds, take up the pouring rights at the County Ground.

A GREENE King ale is set to become the official beer of Derbyshire County Cricket Club.

The agreement, starting on May 16, will see Old Speckled Hen, which is brewed at Bury St Edmunds, take up the pouring rights at the County Ground.

As part of the deal, Old Speckled Hen will receive significant branding around the County Ground in Derby including pitch-side boards and inclusion on match day materials. The ground is set to host over 40 days of cricket during the 2009 season including four Twenty20 Cup matches and a Twenty20 Women's International between England and Australia on June 25.

Derbyshire County Cricket Club's chief executive, Keith Loring said: “We are delighted to have Old Speckled Hen on board as sponsor of Derbyshire County Cricket Club and the County Ground for the 2009 season. Cricket lovers are traditionally big ale drinkers and I'm sure the fans will be delighted to have this great brand supporting us over the years ahead.”

Fiona Hope, marketing director at Greene King, said: “There is a clear affinity between cricket supporters and ale drinking and this deal will raise the profile of Old Speckled Hen in a region that appreciates the finer things in life. Good luck to Derbyshire County Cricket Club for the season ahead.”