AN HISTORIC locomotive nameplate which could help to save Darlington Football Club for another few months was being prepared for sale last night.

The brass and enamel steam engine nameplate came from a class B17 locomotive - called Darlington FC - which was built in Darlington in 1936.

It was on display behind the main reception counter in the Reynolds Arena until last week, when it was taken down ready for selling.

Darlington Football Club went into administration on December 23, following a winding-up petition by the Inland Revenue.

Tony Taylor, of the club supporters' trust, said he was appealing for local business sponsorship to buy the nameplate - believed to be worth £30,000 - and help to keep a piece of Darlington's heritage in the town.

The plaque was presented to the club in 1960 by British Rail.

Originally, the locomotive was to be called Sheffield Wednesday, but pressure from nightshift workers at the North Road shops was believed to have made LNER management relent.

Last night, football club administrator David Field, of Sheffield company Wilson Field, confirmed the plaque was on the market and had received interest from four or five buyers.

But he said that at a meeting with the supporters' trust he agreed it could have first refusal on the plaque - if it was able to raise the cash by the end of the month.

Mr Field said: "We are desperate for cash and, obviously, one way of raising cash is to sell the assets of the company that we don't actually need.

"Because of the heritage behind it we are very reluctant to sell it, but when it comes to a decision between selling the plaque and keeping the club afloat, there is only one ans-wer.

"We have said to the supporters' trust that if they can raise the money in time to buy it, we will sell it to them so it can be kept at the club. The sale will go a long way towards covering the costs of the club for the next few months."

Mr Taylor said: "We are looking for sponsorship to keep the plaque in the town and part of the club. It is a piece of Darlington's history and it would be a shame to see it go elsewhere."

Anyone wanting to support the trust's appeal for the club, or offer corporate sponsorship to buy the plaque, can phone 07951 036720.