LOW cost airline Flybe is to pull out as main sponsors of Norwich City at the end of the season.Flybe's director of marketing, Simon Lilley, said in a joint statement today: “The sponsorship deal between Flybe and Norwich City has proved a beneficial partnership.

LOW cost airline Flybe is to pull out as main sponsors of Norwich City at the end of the season.

Flybe's director of marketing, Simon Lilley, said in a joint statement today: “The sponsorship deal between Flybe and Norwich City has proved a beneficial partnership. However, we have had to take the difficult decision to step down as the main club sponsor so our other club sponsorships across the UK are given the opportunity to take over the mantle.

“We are parting on very amicable terms with Norwich and, since the decision has been taken, have worked closely with the club to help them source a new sponsor.

“The Norwich fans have treated us immensely well in giving us their support and we wish the club and its fans every success in the future.”

Andrew Cullen, City director of sales and marketing, said: “It has been a privilege and pleasure to work with Flybe and we have been extremely proud of the new community programmes we have developed together in partnership over the last two years.

“We are grateful for Flybe's commitment and encouragement over the entire term of the sponsorship and more recently for their assistance in promoting the club to prospective new shirt sponsors. The search for a new shirt sponsor is well under way. We wish Flybe and all their staff every success for the future.”

Last Christmas, Flybe took children from Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital and Quidenham Hospice for a special one-off Santa flight with City players.

The annual Flybe Community Cup encouraged grassroots football to schools from all over East Anglia. Throughout this season Flybe has sponsored the Flybe Canary Express, a matchday coach service transporting thousands of fans to Carrow Road from over 150 destinations throughout Norfolk.