The 2015 season is a very special one for the NYSD ECB Premier League as it marks the 25th consecutive year of support by their primary sponsors, Darlington Building Society.

League president Chris West knows only too well what the backing has meant to the NYSD.

He said: “I don’t know of too many such associations in sport that have gone on for that length of time, and it is a certain fact that everyone connected with our great League, whether they be clubs, officials, umpires, players or supporters, owes DBS a huge debt of gratitude.

“Having been directly involved with this wonderful partnership for many of those 25 years I can honestly say that the value they have provided to the cricket communities of our region is without measure.

“The NYSD has developed remarkably during that period, with many plaudits being received from around the country in recent times. A very large share of that praise must go to DBS as the unstinting support of such a well-known and respected organization has given us the confidence to reach new heights.”

The CEO of Darlington Building Society, Colin Fyfe, said: “We are very proud of our long association with the League which has such a rich heritage in both the sport and the local area.

“We are particularly pleased to see the calibre of young players that regularly come from the League and watch with interest to see new talents emerging. The NYSD has a spirit that matches ours – one that nurtures and supports people within the region to be a part of the things they have a passion for and helps them achieve their personal goals.”

There are a number of events planned throughout the summer, including a star studded T20 match against the first team squad of Yorkshire at Marton on May 6, an evening that will also include a competition to find the fastest bowler in the NYSD.

There will be awards during the season for the senior and junior performances of each month, and on the showpiece occasion of Kerridge Cup final day a pre-match reception will be highlighted by the induction of 25 new legends to the NYSD Hall of Fame – one for every year of DBS support.