An Ilkley company that provides car finance for Premiership footballers is expanding its backing for local sport.

Bridford Financial Solutions is sponsoring Olicanian Cricket Club in the Aire Wharfe League this season.

The firm has backed local racing car driver Chris Holmes and golfer Dan Thomas over the last two years.

Bidford specialises in providing independent finance options for luxury cars and its regular clients include several England and Premiership footballers, lottery winners and multi-millionaires.

Owner Tim Marlow, said: “I was impressed with the support the club gives to local youngsters by introducing them to the game and offering cricket coaching – hopefully other businesses will get behind them as well.”

Olicanian treasurer Brent Armitage, said: “We are delighted Bridford Financial Solutions has decided to sponsor us for the 2010 season and hope more businesses will come on board and help us financially.

“The club is in good health at the moment on and off the pitch with work on a new pavilion underway, but it’s vital grass roots sports like ours are funded properly so future generations can enjoy cricket.”

Bidford Financial Solutions is a national operation with branches in the North East, North West, Midlands, South West and Scotland It has underwritten more than £200 million of funds and in 2009 provided funding of more than £25 million.