UK Athletics has received it's biggest ever investment from a commercial partner in a £20m sponsorship deal with Norwich Union.

Under the five-year deal, Norwich Union will continue to provide for major domestic meetings to be televised, such as the British Grand Prix, which is highly regarded by athletes, coaches and spectators alike.

The sponsorship will secure the financial future of track and field events in the run up to the Olympics, but will also focus on grass-root development.

David Moorcroft, chief executive, UK Athletics was delighted with the announcement: Norwich Union has been pivotal in helping us establish UK Athletics. The past five three years have been tremendous, the next five promise to be even more successful.

More than 20 per cent of the sponsorship will be invested in development initiatives which include a scheme to introduce youngsters to the sport and a national awards scheme for 3-15 year olds