A NORTH-EAST business club has become one of the fastest-growing organisations of its kind in the country.

Darlington Business Club is celebrating after securing European funding worth £22,500 over the past two years.

The funding has enabled it to offer advice and support to the business community in Darlington, as well as providing a stronger voice for business in and around the region.

Members of the club toasted their success recently at it second annual wine tasting event sponsored by leading chartered accountants and business advisers, Clive Owen and Co.

Chris Beaumont, manager at Clive Owen and Co, said it was fantastic news for the club.

"We have very close links with Darlington Business Club and fully support its aims and goals," he said.

Nigel Foster, chairman of Darlington Business Club, said: "We are the fastest growing business club in the UK and one of the biggest and best."