Last updated 15:19, Thursday, 07 August 2008

A HALTWHISTLE-based tour company will escort some of the world’s top sportsmen around this year after securing a number of major sporting contracts.

Tynedale Group Travel has announced that it has secured contracts to transport Yorkshire County Cricket Club, Carlisle United Football Club and Newcastle Vipers Ice Hockey Club around the country for the next year.

It has also revealed it will be carrying the football players from European giants PSV Eindhoven and Ajax, both in Holland, and Spain’s Valencia as they visit the country for pre-season friendlies.

TGT managing director Andy Sinclair said: “For us to have Yorkshire CCC, Carlisle United, Ajax, PSV Eindhoven and Valencia on the road with us all in the same week seems to be touching a little on the unreal.

“It is really one hell of a week having them all at the same time, but it’s a challenge we look forward to.”

After a successful first year with Yorkshire Cricket Club last year, it has decided to extend the contract with the Haltwhistle firm for a further two years.

TGT will continue to provide England internationals cricketers Michael Vaughan, Darren Gough and Matthew Hoggard, among others, with top class coach facilities, that include a television in every seat, leather lounges, kitchens and Sky TV.

Yorkshire cricket players will be ferried to games on one of the firm’s Neoplan Starliner VIP team coaches which are regularly seen on Sky Sports.

Mr Sinclair said: “The contract gives us some stability and gives us some consistency throughout the year.

“They are a great set of lads and it is a great set-up. They are an absolute pleasure to work with and all have their feet on the ground.”

TGT is also delighted with the offer of a season-long contract with Carlisle United.

Its coaches have recently returned from taking the Cumbrians on a pre-season training tour to Scotland and will assist the team on their travels to their League One opponents throughout the season.

The firm has also set up ‘Blues Travel’ that will provide supporters’ coaches for Carlisle fans to every away fixture.