SPORTS car maker TVR has today announced it will be sponsoring Ebbw Vale RFC.

The rugby club's shorts and shirts will carry the company's famous logo.

TVR said the news "reinforces their commitment to the local community".

Today's announcement follows the decision taken by TVR last year to make its new vehicle - which will be launched in 2017 - in Ebbw Vale.

Ebbw Vale RFC director and chairman Jonathan Jones said: "As a club we are delighted that TVR has become a partner and feel it is fitting that a club that derives its nickname from the steel industry, which was once the main economic driver of the area, will have strong links with the iconic TVR marque.

“TVR’s facility will help to re-energise the area economically in the coming years and we look forward to working closely with the company, helping them develop an enjoyable and prosperous future with the club, its fellow sponsors, its supporters, and with the area as a whole. This must surely be the most prestigious sponsorship deal in the history of the Premiership and is an excellent boost for Ebbw Vale RFC and the league as a whole.”

Operations director of TVR, John Chasey, said: “TVR are looking forward to establishing our factory in Ebbw Vale and becoming an integral part of both the local economy and community. While TVR cars have traditionally sported composite bodies, they have always been built upon a steel chassis, and the new car will continue to use a steel frame bonded with carbon fibre as part of the iStream process, so the sponsorship of the Steelmen is an appropriate connection we look forward to developing.”