STAFF at a factory have helped to raise thousands of pounds for a cash-strapped football club.

Footballers at Amec held a charity football match at The Northern Echo Darlington Arena to raise funds for the Quakers.

Thirty players took part in the match, with sides wearing Darlington FC home and away strips.

The match ended 2-2 and was followed by a buffet and raffle.

Pupils from Carmel RC College acted as ballboys and took part in a penalty shoot-out at half-time.

Phyllis Kelly, who organised the event, said nearly £4,500 had already been raised, with some sponsorship to be collected.

She said: “It was absolutely brilliant. There were about 150 spectators there.

“We would really like to thank everyone who was involved and sponsored us.”