A DEVELOPER is building links with a rugby club based near one of its new housing estates.

Taylor Wimpey has partnered with Mowden Park RFC to sponsor the club’s winger, Shaun McCartney.

The club, which is just a short distance from the house-builder’s Millfields housing development in Darlington, uses the player sponsorship to fund Mr McCartney’s kit, club membership and RFU insurance for the season.

Mr McCartney, 21, said the money has been “invaluable” and Debbie Whittingham, sales and marketing director for Taylor Wimpey North Yorkshire added: “With Millfields in close proximity to Mowden Park, and some of the players even living at one of our developments’, we felt it was a great opportunity for a partnership.

“The club is a vital part of the local community and we’re delighted to be sponsoring Shaun, who’s already having a successful season.”