Northern Rock have announced they are ending their association with Durham County Cricket Club when their sponsorship deal ends this season.

Durham began their association with the bank in 2001 and chief executive David Harker has thanked the business for their backing during that time.

"Their sponsorship wasn't just about having a name on the shirt," he told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"They gave us a lot of business support as well and helped us in other ways."

With deals for both Durham and Middlesex county cricket clubs ending at the end of this season, Harker is already looking to attract new backing for the club.

"Obviously we are now in talks with other would-be backers," he said.

"I don't want to say who they are at this moment in time, or the sort of money that is involved."

Northern Rock boss Ron Sandler said the bank will continue to honour its deals with Newcastle United, rugby club Newcastle Falcons and basketball's Newcastle Eagles.

All three of those deals are expected to run until 2010.