MEMBERS of a rugby club's first-team squad today became the latest to take part in the ALS ice bucket challenge.

Players of Darlington Mowden Park's first team took part in the challenge at The Northern Echo Arena, the team's home ground, to join the campaign to help raise awareness for ALS and its British equivalent, the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MND).

The challenge which has seen celebrities such as David Beckham, Justin Timberlake and Will Smith among many others participate has lead to a massive increase in both awareness and donations.

Before the ice bucket challenge started the MSD would receive on average £200,000 per week whereas between the 22nd and 29th of August it raised £2.7m.

First team captain Cameron Mitchell thanked Peter Barron and the Northern Echo for the nomination.

Mitchell said: "A few of the boys had already done their individual ones, but it’s important we show our support as a team."

Forwards coach Danny Brown said: "It’s important for the club to help to continue raising awareness."

The team nominated all of its injured players along with England and Darlington Mowden Park Sharks world cup-winning fly half Katy Mclean.

They will do their challenge at half time in Mowden’s opening game of the season against Blaydon this Saturday.