BUSINESSES are being asked to support two children's discos organised to raise funds for cash-strapped Darlington Football Club.

The discos are being held on Wednesday and then Wednesday, February 18, at the Galaxy Suite, in the town's North Road.

A signed Quakers shirt will be given as a prize for a penalty shoot-out at each event.

Organiser Chris Humble said: "We are looking for businesses to pay for two tickets each and allow the children to go for free.

"That way, if the parents want to pay for the tickets anyway, we will get double the money for the club.

"The tickets are £3 each, so we are asking companies to give £6. We can sell 120 tickets for each event, so we are hoping to raise more than £700 at the very least, but hopefully about £1,000."

Mr Humble is being backed by an unusual source, Captain Scarlet.

Francis Matthews, the actor who voiced the TV puppet in the 1960s, is to pay for some tickets and send signed photos of himself with Captain Scarlet.

He said: "I know Darlington from when I have been at the Civic Theatre and I'm happy to do my bit."

Mr Humble can be contacted on 07816 861107.