A RAFFLE backed by some of football's biggest names at the weekend raised more than £8,000 to help Darlington survive its financial troubles.

Liverpool and England striker Michael Owen's signed boots were among a host of football memorabilia being raffled, as were signed shirts from David Beckham, Thierry Henry and Paul Gascoigne.

All raffle proceeds will go towards the club's running costs.

Peter Grant, of radio station Magic FM, made the draw at half-time of the Quakers' last home match of the season against Swansea on Saturday. He confirmed that more than £8,000 had been raised and said he was not surprised at the figure.

"The Darlington fans have showed themselves time and time again to be very generous," he said.

Tickets sold for £5 a strip and Mr Grant said that the Quakers' manager, David Hodgson, had been determined that the raffle was open to as many supporters as possible, as a way of showing the club's appreciation for all of their help as the club battled for survival.

Read more about the Quakers here.