One of the longest partnerships between business and local sport is to wind down.

The sponsorship is for the Northern Cricket Union's Premier and Senior leagues which has been supported by Ulster Bank for over twenty years.

Ulster Bank said a review of its commitment to the community had highlighted new priorities but has announced that it will continue to support  schools' cricket throughout the province.

Sean Murphy, Managing Director, Branch Banking of Ulster Bank, said: "The bank has been proud  to have played a part in the excellent progress local cricket has made over the past couple of decades. It is to be hoped that the young players of today will continue this progress and, therefore, Ulster Bank is pleased to renew its sponsorship of the Ulster Schools Cup.

The NCU's Chairman Alan Waite said local cricket was deeply indebted to Ulster Bank for its commitment down the years.

He said: "The bank has been a generous and enthusiastic supporter and the Union is most grateful. We understand that priorities change and it says much for the bank's long standing backing that it continues to lend its name to schools' cricket."

"Such is the development and higher profile enjoyed by the sport, we will hope to attract a new sponsor for the senior game in the near future."