Tiverton Town Football Club have signed a major sponsorship deal with independent cider maker Aston Manor Brewery.

Aston Manor are to sponsor the Southern League club's 600-seater grandstand and the back of the team's shirts.

The Birmingham-based company have a bottling plant in Howden Industrial Estate, Tiverton, which has recently undergone a multi-million pound expansion.

Their chairman is Doug Ellis, the life president and former owner of Aston Villa.

Jim Bray, Tiverton's commercial manager, said: "We are delighted to announce this agreement with such a prestigious company with strong footballing links.

"Everyone at Tiverton Town hopes this is the start of a successful long-term partnership."

The Ladysmead grandstand will now be known as the Aston Manor Stand.

As part of the agreement, Tivvy will sell Aston Manor's Kingstone Press draught and bottled cider in their clubhouse.

Peter Ellis, Aston Manor's managing director and son of Doug Ellis, said the deal backed up the company's commitment to sport.

They also sponsor Aston Manor Cricket Club in Birmingham and Commonwealth Games gold medalist Louise Hazel, who will be competing in the heptathlon at the 2012 Olympics in London.

"As part of Aston Manor's commitment to CSR we believe it is important that companies such as ourselves support the local community to ensure talented youngsters achieve their dream of becoming professionals," said Ellis.

"Since we acquired the Devon Cider Company in 2009 we have looked to further our ties with the local community, and this sponsorship has provided us with the perfect opportunity to do so.”