A NORTH-East football club has strengthened its community links by agreeing an innovative partnership with a hospice.

Darlington FC will display the logo of St Teresa’s Hospice on its new away shirt.

The club will donate a third of all profits made on the sale of this season’s replica pink away kit to the hospice.

St Teresa’s director Jane Bradshaw said she was delighted that the Quakers had agreed to support the charity.

“The players, staff and supporters of Darlington FC have performed amazingly this season, and I am so pleased that St Teresa’s Hospice has been adopted by the Northern League champions.”

Team manager Martin Gray said the work of the hospice touched virtually everyone within the community at some time.

He added: “This is a massive step forward for the club in becoming an integral part of the community and I am sure every fan will join the players and management in being extremely proud to wear the new away shirt and to be associated with the fantastic people at the hospice and the fantastic work they perform.”

The club said the partnership had the potential to galvanise the community and the football club through the common interest of the hospice.

It is hoped the deal would also open up commercial and community based-initiatives and opportunities.

Verony Chalmers, Darlington FC commercial manager, said: “We are really looking forward to working with everyone connected with the hospice going forward.

“To feel that the football club, despite its traumatic recent history, can be making a difference directly into the community in this way is absolutely huge and is yet another big step forward in restoring the brand of Darlington FC.

“Martin Gray is doing that on the pitch - now it is the opportunity for the fans to help make that difference too.”

Pre-orders for the home and away shirts are currently being taken by Quaker Retail in Darlington Covered Market.

Deliveries are expected before the start of the season.