The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) has secured the first ever lead partner of British tennis after agreeing a five-year deal with AEGON.

As a result of the deal, the life assurance and pensions company will act as lead sponsor for the LTAs parks and schools programme, while also supporting the development of junior elite athletes. AEGON will also replace Stella Artois in holding naming rights for the international tournament at London's Queen's Club, as well as grass court events at Eastbourne and Edgbaston.

Otto Thoresen, chief executive of AEGON UK, said: "Our investment over the next five years will enable the sport to grow from grassroots level, encouraging more young people to take up the sport, through to elite performance level, where we can support our leading athletes as they seek to make an impression on the world stage." LTA chief executive, Roger Draper, said: "We share a joint desire to grow the sport at all levels from our major international events and supporting elite young players, to improving facilities and access across the country, and AEGON will play a vital role in this."