A council leader says he is open to extending the authority's sponsorship with a football team.

Cllr Alan Jarrett (Con) says “both parties seem to like” the current deal which sees Medway council’s logo displayed on Gillingham Football Club's home shirt in exchange for free pitch hire at Beechings Cross.

And the prospect of the deal continuing into the 2019/20 season has not been ruled out by the council leader, who met club chairman Paul Scally last week on “another matter”.

He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “I think it’s worked very well. They’ve made use of the facilities that they’re using at no cost, and we’ve had our brand splashed all over their stuff.

“Don’t forget The Sunday Times’ sports section front page and the other newspapers that published massive Medway pictures (following FA Cup win against Cardiff City).

"You couldn’t buy that exposure.

“So that’s worked well for us. We’ve been able to send some VIP guests, but much more importantly we’ve been able to make really good use of 50 free tickets for the community.

“For me, it’s worked very well and if a similar deal was in the offer I don’t see why we wouldn’t do it. If he (Scally) doesn’t raise it with me at the end of the season, I shall probably raise it with him.”

The original deal was said to help Gillingham FC celebrate its 125th year and mark the 20th anniversary of Medway Council’s formation.