DURHAM Police has teamed up with former World Cup winners to launch a campaign aimed at tackling domestic abuse.

West Auckland FC won the first World Cup in Italy in 1909 with a 2-0 victory over Swiss team FC Winterthur.

Players Matty Moffatt and Connor Lowes appear on the posters which are aimed at highlighting that using any form of violence and intimidation against a partner is wrong.

Durham Police domestic abuse co-ordinator, Helen Murphy, said “We are working with local role models such as the West Auckland players, in our campaign to highlight that domestic abuse is never acceptable.

“We are really grateful to Connor and Matty who have taken the time to get behind this campaign and help us to get the message across.

“The posters will be distributed across Durham and Darlington with the hope that they will challenge the beliefs of offenders whilst also highlighting to victims there is support available.

Mr Moffatt said “We were really happy Durham Police asked us to help. Violence in any situation is wrong and we need to stamp it out.”

Anyone who finds themselves in immediate danger should call 999.

Harbour Support Services, a specialist domestic abuse service who can help people who live within County Durham, is available on 03000-202525.

For people in Darlington, Sanctuary Supported Living offers a similar service on 01325-463141.

The Meadows Sexual Assault Referral Centre aims to provide support to victims of rape or sexual assault. For details, call 0191-3018554.