A new deal has been struck between Yorkshire and Scarborough Cricket Club which ensures that first-class cricket will remain at North Marine Road until at least 2010.

And members of the Scarborough club were also told at their annual meeting last night that the two clubs will forge even closer ties over the next few years.

Yorkshire's present agreement with Scarborough runs out at the end of this season but a new five-year plan will then come into operation which virtually ensures that Yorkshire will continue playing two championship matches and two Totesport League games at the seaside resort each year.

The Scarborough club guarantee Yorkshire £27,500 a year for their games on the ground and any additional money at an agreed figure above that sum is evenly split.

In addition, Yorkshire, through their catering manager Graham Hallam, will be responsible for pavilion catering during county matches and certain other games at North Marine Road.

Plans are also at an advanced stage to play a friendly Twenty20 match this season between Yorkshire and Durham on Monday, August 22, the second day of the 119th Scarborough Festival.

Scarborough have spent more than £500,000 over the past five years on ground improvements, the latest being the levelling of the outfield during the winter months.

Bill Mustoe, the club's chairman, said: "I think the new deal is absolutely marvellous for both Scarborough and Yorkshire.

"It has long been recognised that Scarborough is one of those venues which Yorkshire have done very well at both financially and playing wise over a long number of years, and a lot of the county's supporters love to come here.

"It is a great ground to watch cricket on because spectators are close to the action and it is very pleasing that Yorkshire have now given their longest commitment to Scarborough and I think it augurs well for both parties.

"I am particularly looking forward to what should be one of the most exciting Festivals in recent years. There has already been a lot of interest generated in the Festival curtain-raiser between an Old England XI and a Lashings XI on Sunday, August 21, and with the Twenty20 game hopefully taking place the following day, the event is bound to get off to a great start."

Geoff Cope, Yorkshire's director of operations, said: "I am delighted that a new five-year deal has been agreed and that the two clubs are now working more closely together than ever before."