DARLINGTON supporters last night reached the £100,000 fundraising target to help the club– six weeks ahead of the deadline.

Three weeks ago the Darlington FC Supporters Group (DFCSG) launched a community share scheme initiative with the aim of raising £100,000 by May 31 to help start work on the club’s new ground at Blackwell Meadows, in Darlington.

Around £75,000 had been pledged by yesterday morning, however a surge last night saw 50 fans make a contribution – including one for £10,000, and another for £5,000.

DFCSG chairman Wayne Raper said: “We’re delighted to reach £100,000, and grateful to everyone who has invested. The generosity of our fans has been fantastic – we didn’t expect to get there on Wednesday night.

“We are now going to talk to Supporters Direct about what to do next – there are several options available to us, but we need to talk to them first.”

Quakers say the fundraising is not over.

Football club director John Tempest said: “It has been an amazing performance by the fans. It shows how much they love the club, and what we are trying to do.

“We still have other fundraising initiatives, such as the 500 club and lottery draw that people can participate in. There are further details on our website.”

The Northern Echo: