FOR the fourth year in a row, Derbyshire County Cricket Club's good housekeeping has left them in the black in their finances.

The club has confirmed a trading profit of £14,420 for 2009.

That is a small increase on the 2008 figure of £14,065 and follows profits of £22,024 in 2007 and £54,621 in 2006.

Such figures may appear modest but, put into the context of the performances of other counties who do not benefit from staging international matches, it is a remarkable success story.

Gloucestershire recently announced a loss for the year of £167,000 and Worcestershire had a deficit of £118,000 – despite both having significantly larger membership bases than Derbyshire.

The full details will be released in the financial statement before Derbyshire's AGM at the end of March but chief executive Keith Loring is delighted that the trend of good performances has been extended.

"Four successive profits is an excellent achievement in itself," he said.

"However, 2009 is probably the biggest success story of all, as it has been achieved in the light of the difficult trading conditions which have faced all businesses.

"The ability of the off-the-field team to attract bumper crowds to our big matches has been crucial to our financial success, as has an increase in advertising and sponsorship income.

"A fourth successive profitable year demonstrates our strategy of spending within our means while generating the maximum revenue possible to invest in the team.

"We are continuing to move forward with our planned £700,000 development, including new seats, a permanent marquee, a new irrigation system and the turning of the wicket with the repositioning of floodlights and the scoreboard.

"This money has been accumulated in our development fund and therefore we will be incurring no borrowing.

"This work comes after over £250,000 has been spent in the last two years refurbishing existing facilities.

"All of these developments are geared towards making the County Ground a pleasant and comfortable environment for members and cricket lovers."

Chairman Don Amott added: "Everybody at the club, both on and off the field, has worked hard to achieve these results in 2009.

"However, a special thank you must go to our members, supporters, partners and corporate customers for their continued support during 2009 and in previous years. Their support is greatly appreciated."