PRINTERS Cedar are the first Hampshire business to stump up an estimated £100,000 to become a Patron Saint of Southampton FC.

The scheme is part of a bid to raise sponsorship revenue by 30 per cent, with Saints' old "scattergun" approach being ditched in favour of a range of new packages offering exclusive rights.

Like fans, long-standing business supporters are also to be rewarded for their loyalty under a gold, silver and bronze benefits system.

Low fare air giant Flybe is the main club sponsor with a shirt deal that runs for a further two years.

Now with the Patron Saint scheme bosses are, for the first time, offering six firms a second tier sponsorship position. A third tier of up to ten official corporate supporters and suppliers is also being introduced and a further fourth level is available for an as-yet-undecided number of businesses.

With club programme printers Cedar signing up as patrons, there are still five positions vacant.

As a Patron Saint Cedar are entitled to a "vast array of exclusive benefits", including access to players, signed merchandise, matchday hospitality and advertising opportunities.

Bosses said the deal would also "enhance their profile in the local and wider community and provide the opportunity to create new business".

Commercial director Andy Oldknow said: "Cedar have done an excellent job of designing and printing our matchday programme for many years and we are thrilled to have them involved in what is an exciting development for us."

Managing director Tony Manser said: "We have had extremely close links with the club for 27 years and we are thrilled to become their first Patron Saint. We work well together and are good for each other so this deal was a natural progression. It will open many more doors for us to do business in Southampton, the surrounding region and nationally."