BURY FC's current financial plight has been eased, thanks to a £50,000 deal with Bury Metro.

The council has agreed for the second year running to sponsor the club's shirts. The local authority's logo will continue to be worn at grounds nationwide.

The cash support for the Shakers will help overcome the club's financial difficulties.

The council's announcement was made before jubilant fans, players and club officials as Bury FC celebrated its record-breaking FA Cup win a century ago.

Bury Metro Council leader Cllr John Byrne said: "Bringing the FA Cup back to Bury, if only for a day, was a thrill and everyone connected with the club had a great time.

"We thought it would be a wonderful occasion to announce our continuing support for Bury FC, which has served as unpaid ambassadors of the town for so many years, a role many of us want to ensure continues.

"Not that long ago the club faced possible extinction and while their financial position is still not good, they continue to do the borough proud.

"As a council we have limited finance available, however the Shakers have been part of our local history for so long, as the recent FA Cup celebrations show, and we want to see that go on.

"Bury Metro is happy to have its name so closely associated with Bury FC and I am sure everyone in the town wishes the club well, both on and off the pitch."