A FOOTBALL club will be the first in the North-East to install a big screen in its stadium.

Darlington FC will install a 48sq metre screen -the biggest in the Football League -in the north-east corner of the Williamson Motors Stadium.

It will offer fans replays of key match action and fan interaction, as well as the opportunity to bring revenue into the club through corporate sponsorship and advertising.

It is the latest investment in the stadium, following improvements to the sound system and catering costing more than £500,000.

The interactive screen has been inspired by the type of off-field entertainment offered to US sports fans. Chairman Stewart Davies said: "I am determined to make match days at Darlington Football Club entertaining and attractive to fans old and new so that, as well as watching a football match, they leave feeling they have had a full day out.

"This screen is the biggest in the Football League and the only fully interactive large screen in football in the North of England.

"I want fans to be able to get more from their visit to Darlington FC, while keeping the emphasis on football."

Last season, Mr Davies invested £500,000 when the club opened the North Stand, completing the stadium.

Read more about the Quakers here.