A FIVE-year deal between Bury Council and Bury Football Club is to come to an end.

The local authority’s current sponsorship with the Shakers runs out at the end of this season, and the parties have amicably decided to go their separate ways.

Bury Council has been club’s main sponsor since it signed a three-year deal in 2009.

In return for financial support of about £50,000 a year, the club supported the council’s aims of taking sport into the community and promot-ing healthier lifestyles.

The deal was extended in 2012, with a two-year funding package to launch new projects and improve the health of the borough’s residents.

Cllr Mike Connolly, leader of Bury Council, said: “It’s been an honour to work with Bury FC who have a tremendous record of working in the community.

“Many tens of thousands of local people have benefited from this partnership agreement and it’s been a good deal for both sides.

“We’ve been delighted to sponsor the Shakers over the years, going back to that dreadful period in 2001 when the council stepped in to save the club from going into administration, but it’s no secret that the council is having to make huge budget savings, right across the board.

“The club has also signed the biggest commercial deal in its history with JD Sports and, along with other sponsorship deals, is looking forward to a new future. We join all Shakers fans in wishing them the very best.”

Glenn Thomas, chief executive of Bury FC, said: “We do not see this as the end of a book, but the start of a new chapter.

"The council stepped in during an horrific financial period for the club and helped keep the community together over a significant period of its history.

"For that, the club will always be grateful. The club wants to thank the council for the past five years and would like to thank them in advance for continued support.”