Players at Gloucestershire Cricket Club will be cutting a dash on the pitch this year after announcing a new partnership deal.

The county club appointed kit manufacturer Samurai following what we are told was a thorough tender process that took place through the winter.

For the first time, players at the club were involved in the project and were able to provide their input into the training and playing kit.

David Payne was the lead team representative and played a part with designing the teams new look training wear range.

Mr Payne said: "Working with the guys at Samurai this winter has been a really great experience. It was very interesting to sit in on the whole process and see how everything took shape.

"I had a lot of fun being able to design this year's kit with them, and I'm really chuffed with the results. I look forward to working with them in the future."

Emily Salvidge, head of marketing and commercial at GCC, said, "We have been very impressed with the quality of the kit and their creative design ideas. We are also looking forward to introducing a new retail line that members and supporters can purchase from the shop."

Mike Pells, sales director at Norfolk-based Samurai Sports Wear, said: "Our in house creative team have really embraced the challenge of producing a look and style the players were after.

"Having our own factory has meant we have managed to design, manufacture and deliver a fantastic range for the team in the timescales required. I know everyone is delighted with the results and we cannot wait to see the kit in action."

Pictured: Gloucestershire Cricket players (left to right) Dan Worrall, Chris Dent and Jack Taylor, in the new Royal London One Day Cup kit by Samurai.