NORTH-EAST car maker Nissan has signed a deal to back Europe's biggest club football tournament.

Nissan, which employs more than 7,000 North-East workers at its Sunderland plant, has secured a four-year agreement to sponsor the Champions League and UEFA Super Cup.

The deal starts next season and will give Nissan extensive rights to matches, pre-match training sessions, and media and hospitality events.

The company already supports the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and the Great Britain Olympic team.

Roel de Vries, Nissan's corporate vice-president and global head of marketing and communications, said: “Europe's most prestigious football competition will be an important global platform for Nissan.

"Our aim is to show fans all over the world the excitement of both football and our cars.

“Both are created by amazing people who have a passion for what they do.”