Record surplus for Surrey

The revenue generated from staging the fifth Ashes Test and co-hosting the ICC World Twenty20 boosted Surrey's profit

Surrey have reported a record annual profit of £752,000 for 2009.

The income from staging last summer's Ashes finale and co-hosting the ICC World Twenty20 were major factors in a 29% pre-tax increase on 2008.

In contrast to Surrey's fortunes on the pitch last summer - they won just one of 16 games in the LV= County Championship - the club were able to release a statement this morning reflecting on a "highly successful year".

Chief executive Paul Sheldon congratulated staff on the results of their hard work, and confirmed future investment will include further development of the Brit Oval.

"We are pleased to announce significant increases in turnover and profits and believe that these results are testament to the hard work of our staff during what has been a particularly challenging year commercially," he said.

"We need to continue to produce these levels of profit in order to meet our commitments to professional and recreational cricket in Surrey by investing in players and other grassroots initiatives, as well as servicing our debt on the OCS stand and continuing the improvement of our ground.

"As we look to the future, we are very conscious of the need to diversify our income streams - and we expect to continue the expansion of our business activities through the building of a new hotel at the ground."