A regional daily has been unveiled as the new shirt sponsor of a football club which was under threat of closure earlier this year.

The Northern Echo will sponsor shirts at Darlington Football Club after the newspaper previously pledged £10,000 to a company set up by fans to save it.

It was confirmed last week that the club, which is nicknamed the Quakers, will play under the name Darlington 1883 in the Northern League at Bishop Auckland’s ground from the start of the new season.

Echo editor Peter Barron signed the deal for the shirt sponsorship and he will also sit on a special advisory panel at the club.

Peter said: “This is a criticial period in the long and proud history of Darlington Football Club and it would have been totally wrong for The Northern Echo to desert the Quakers when they need our support more than ever.

“A town like Darlington needs a professional football club and I hope this sends a signal to other businesses, the local authority and supporters that we need to galvanise as much practical support as possible.”

Club chairman Denis Pinnegar added: “It is fabulous news that the club is going to be supported in this way. It is essential that the club has strong links with the community and The Northern Echo is at the heart of the community.

“That means a great deal to us and I am delighted to announce this vital partnership.”

The Echo pledged £10,000 towards Darlington FC 1883 Ltd in February after the club was placed in liquidation.