More than 20,000 Norfolk pupils will benefit from a new deal which has been done between two school sports partnerships and a local sports products firm.

Dereham-based 4sportsgroup has been working with the Norwich School Sport Partnership and the West Norwich and Dereham School Sports Partnership for about three years supplying products such as printed T-shirts, trophies and kits.

But the deal which has now been signed will mean the 77 schools which are covered by the two partnerships will be able to get a whole range of products quicker and cheaper.

And the partners say the savings will be able to be used to improve school sports, which is vital at a time of cuts to funding.

Gary Cockaday, managing director of 4sportsgroup, said: 'We are delighted to be appointed as the official suppliers to the two School Sports Partnerships. This partnership acknowledges our desire to be the best, to produce beautifully finished products, competitively priced and always delivered on time.

'We look forward to working with Rob, Jon and their schools, proud of the small part that we can play in helping the School Sports Partnership flourish, acknowledging the massive job achieved by them in delivering sports into schools.

'The partnerships have bounced back from the cost cutting and are a role model for similar partnerships in the UK and beyond.'

Jon Osborne, of the Norwich School Sports Partnership which is based at the City Acaedemy Norwich, said: 'Our role is to support schools to develop PE and sports opportunities. After the cuts we are having to be smarter to keep the opportunities going and this deal will mean we get a better service and can offer more discounts.'

Rob McCombe, of the West Norwich and Dereham School Partnership based at Taverham High, said: 'This is massive in the lead up to the Olympics and we all have to think more cleverly. It is important for us to use a local provider and it is a really good relationship for us.'