David Barnes in his new coat

Members of the JCT 600 Bradford League Umpires Associaition are sporting a new-look.

They are currently being kitted out with new weatherproof coats which carry the logos of the Bradford League sponsors JCT 600 and the Priestley Cup backers Sovereign Health Care.

The lightweight coats are also windproof which helps protect the umpires from the worst weather conditions.

They have been financed jointly by the JCT 600 Bradford League Management Board and the JCT 600 Bradford League Umpires Associaition. who secured a deal with Solly Sports to produce the new coats.

Umpires Associaition chairman Glyn Pearson said: "I think they look very smart and I am sure our members will enjoy wearing them. It is good to have such a firm link with promoting the sponsors of the league and cup."

Bradford League media and marketing officer Alan Birkinshaw said: "We believe that the new coats demonstrate the fact that we value greatly the contribution of our umpires and it is nice to acknowledge that in this way.

"About half the Umpires Associaition members are kitted out already and the rest will be shortly. Already there have been some very positive comments about the appearance of the officials wearing the coats in matches."