A DOCTOR has been honoured to mark the 30-year anniversary of his dedicated service to Darlington Football Club.

Dr Steve Charlton started as club doctor with The Quakers in 1986 and has stuck with the club through the ups and downs of the past three decades.

Dr Charlton, a well-respected GP at Orchard Court Surgery in Darlington, was presented with an engraved silver salver by Wayne Raper, chairman of the Darlington Supporters Group.

Club chairman John Tempest said: "The award is fully deserved for the loyalty Steve has shown the club over 30 years. He is much more than a highly experienced club doctor - he is an extremely loyal fan who has the club at heart.

"The club is indebted to Steve and the support we have received not just from him but his wife Carol and son James. The family is extremely valued by everyone at the club."

Dr Charlton was born in Darlington and started going to watch Darlington FC from the age of four or five with his dad Bob.

When he started as club doctor, Cyril Knowles was manager, John Craggs assistant manager and Archie Heaton was chairman.

"I certainly didn't expect to still be club doctor 30 years later," he said. "I've seen lots of changes over the years but I've always been proud to be involved and to put something back by filling carrying out a role that might not otherwise be filled."

After the challenges of recent seasons, which saw Darlington drop out of the Football League, Dr Charlton is optimistic about the future, with a planned return to the town for next season through a groundshare at Blackwell Meadows with Darlington Rugby Club.

"The current set-up is probably friendlier and more open than I've ever known. There is a close relationship between the supporters and the players and that is great to see," he said.

Dr Charlton said the highlight of his service had been Darlington's FA Trophy victory at Wembley in 2011.