Norfolk will go into the 2011 season with new backers after agreeing a three-year sponsorship with the R G Carter Group.

The deal was announced at the county cricket club annual meeting at Manor Park on Saturday.

The sponsorship becomes effective from January 1 after the expiry of the existing two-year deal with High Cross Modular Buildings, which was worth �5,000 per season to the club.

Norfolk chairman Graham Littlewood said: 'We are delighted with this in more ways than one.

'The Carter family have been loyal supporters of Norfolk cricket over many years mainly through their continued involvement with the Carter Cup. The sponsorship will really make a difference by providing a solid base upon which to move forward both on and off the field.'

A statement from R G Carter said: 'We are proud to be associated with, and have the opportunity to support Norfolk County Cricket Club. We wish them the greatest success for the forthcoming season.'

Norfolk recorded a loss of �4,942 for the 12 months to September 30, 2010, but treasurer Terry Moore said money received since that date meant there was a break-even figure for the year. There was one change on the executive committee, with Richard Wright appointed the new chairman of the promotion, sponsorship and development committee.

George Walker's appointment as captain was confirmed, Carl Rogers stepping down after three seasons in charge. It was also confirmed that batsman Trevor Ward, who made 636 Championship runs last season, had been offered professional terms for 2011.

Littlewood also revealed that Norfolk had approached 20-year-old former Northamptonshire pace bowler Shaun 'Bud' Bailey about the possibility of playing for his home county next season after first appearing as a 17-year-old in 2007.

Norfolk's first competitive fixture will be the MCCA Knockout Trophy Group Four game against Cambridgeshire at Manor Park on Sunday, May 8. The record five-time winners have the added incentive that the final is likely to return to Lord's in 2011.

James Spelman, who made 668 championship runs last season, was presented with the player of the season award by club president Keith Bray, who was given a special welcome by members after several months battling a serious illness.

Sam Arthurton, currently playing in Melbourne, was named young player of the season. His award was collected by his father, Shaun.

A new award, the Sir David Thorne Bowl for a notable contribution to the club, was presented to Robert Snelling, of the Manor Park ground staff.

Officers appointed: President: Keith Bray. Chairman: Graham Littlewood. Vice-chairman: Ted Wright. Treasurer: Terry Moore. Secretary: Stephen Skinner. Sub-committee chairmen: David Bowker (cricket and selection), Gail Armstrong (membership and home matches), Richard Wright (sponsorship and development). Captain: George Walker. Auditors: Lovewell Blake.

Awards: Richard Lane Player of the Season: James Spelman. D L King Memorial Young Player Shield: Sam Arthurton. Sir David Thorne Bowl (notable contribution to club): Robert Snelling.

Provisional fixtures 2011

Pre-season games: April 16: Essex II (a). April 17: MCC Young Cricketers (Manor Park).

MCCA Knockout Trophy Group Four: May 8: Cambridgeshire (Manor Park). May 15: Berkshire (Falkland CC). May 29: Suffolk (Manor Park). June 5: Lincolnshire (a). Quarter-final, semi-final and final dates to be confirmed.

Minor Counties Championship Eastern Division – June 12-14: Northumberland (a). July 10-12: Hertfordshire (Hertford). July 24-26: Cumberland (Manor Park). July 31- Aug 2: Bedfordshire (Manor Park). August 7-9: Suffolk (Manor Park). Aug 21-23: Buckinghamshire (Slough). September 4-7: Championship final (Eastern Division winners at home).