Pictured above: Bilal Ahmed (centre) celebrates The Curry Republic's sponsorship of Henley in Arden's Avon League team with captain Earl Withers (left) and vice-captain Jon Garner   

Henley-in-Arden's inter-club golf squad are proving hot stuff after swinging a sponsorship deal with their local Indian restaurant. 

The 24 golfers who play against clubs across Warwickshire and Coventry have shot to the top of the Avon League sporting their new Curry Republic strip.

The popular eatery offering fine Indian cuisine for collection and delivery as well as in a seated restaurant in Henley High Street has become the team's 2011 shirt sponsor.

Promoted as Division 2 champions, the team has already won two of its first three matches in its new black and silver hooped strip featuring the restaurant's familiar elephant logo.

Earl Withers, captain of the team which plays its home matches at Henley-in-Arden Golf & Country Club, said: "We are delighted and proud with our first externally sponsored team strip. It makes us look professional in every way."

Bilal Ahmed, Proprietor of The Curry Republic, said: "We wanted to support a local team that could help spread our name throughout the county - and what better than Henley Golf Club's League team, many of whom are regular customers."

He added: "Our mission is to become the first true Indian takeaway brand in the Midlands, complete with online ordering and door-to-door delivery services."