Worcestershire in the black

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In the black: Worcestershire, whose New Road home now boasts the Graeme Hick Pavilion, left, made a post-interest profit last financial year

Worcestershire have announced a profit after interest of £211,893 for the year ending September 30 2011.

The news comes as a further boost for the county that surprised many by avoiding LV= County Championship relegation last summer.

In addition, New Road could be set for a £10million development after Premier Inn last month submitted a planning application to build a 120-bedroom hotel and restaurant.

Chief executive David Leatherdale said: "Having gained promotion to the first division of the LV= County Championship in 2011, retaining this status for 2012 was a key target and to have managed this with a young and developing squad is a major achievement.

"The support from members and spectators continues to be strong which has seen a growth in revenue from both membership and ticket sales, as well as an increase in physical numbers attending matches, and is no doubt a reflection on the loyal and growing support the club has.

"The recent announcement with regards the potential new hotel and additional conference facilities for the club, combined with the already successful Graeme Hick Pavilion, will continue to develop the club as a 365-day-a-year sporting and conference venue, which in these uncertain economic times is key to our sustainability as one of only 18 first-class county clubs.

"It is encouraging to see in excess of 150 new members have already joined for the 2012 season, which gets under way on the 5th April against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge and at New Road against the same opponents on the 26th April.

"I am sure 2012 will be another challenging year but we hope to continue the progress made during 2011, both on and off the pitch, and look forward to another exciting summer ahead."

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