THEY'VE done it! After weeks of uncertainty and intense behind-the-scenes negotiations, the club officials and loyal fans fighting to save Chester Jets - many of whom are from Ellesmere Port - have won.

A one-year sponsorship deal with Chester-based self-storage firm BiG Storage has been sealed, giving Jets the funds to field a team in next season's British Basketball League.

The team will now be known as BiG Storage Cheshire Jets.

Supporters were told the good news at an open meeting at Chester's Northgate Arena on Sunday.

Committee member Pete Hawkins said: 'We have been overwhelmed by the astonishingly high levels of interest and support we have received. We are very grateful.'

The majority of home matches next season will be played on Sundays at Northgate Arena, but three will be played at 'out-grounds' - other venues within Cheshire.

Jets officials and supporters have been fighting to keep the club alive since the retirement of head coach and director Mike Burton last season.

The club's newly-formed committee knew they needed to raise at least £75,000, mainly through sponsorship, in order to field a team next season. Without Burton's considerable experience and expertise, that proved to be a massive challenge, but it is one they have met head on.

The Jets have always had strong links with Ellesmere Port, which is home to a large part of the club's fan base. The club was formed in the town in the early 1980s and played at the EPIC until relocating to Chester in 1993.