LONDON, April 15: English county side Surrey have announced their highest ever profits in the club’s 163-year history.

Last year, their annual turnover was £23,407,000 and they recorded pre-tax profits in excess of £721,000, an increase of 108.4 per cent from 2006.

“We’re very pleased that 2007 has been a record year for us off-the-field,” Paul Sheldon, the Surrey chief executive, said.

“All areas of the club are performing well and we’re really building on our potential. Our prospects for growth over the next few years are equally strong.

“Aside from other international matches, we will host an Ashes Test match next summer and the ICC Twenty20 World Cup will be an important income generator for us. Further to this, the planned redevelopment of the Pavilion End will provide considerable benefits without any investment from the club directly thanks to our partnership with Arora Hotels.”

The year 2007 generated receipts of over £5,815,000 courtesy of the four international matches staged at The Oval, a 66.8 per cent increase from 2006.

—Agencies