AN ENGLAND rugby legend forged a friendship with a North-East club when he visited the region to launch a clothing line.

Phil Vickery, who has 73 England caps and five for the British and Irish Lions, visited Darlington’s House of Fraser to officially launch his Raging Bull clothing line.

The sports star was joined by Darlington RFC Under 14s player George Bell whose name had been drawn out of a hat to win the chance to act as Mr Vickery’s VIP assistant for the afternoon.

George accompanied Mr Vickery throughout his official business and helped him cut the ribbon to open the Raging Bull franchise.

Whilst in Darlington Mr Vickery also lent his support to Darlington RFC’s adoption of the national 02 Touch initiative aimed at getting more people playing rugby.

Michael Stowe, Darlington RFC members’ director, said: “He was a really down to earth guy, he was happy to talk to everyone, sign pictures and pose for photographs.

“When he heard about the work we are doing with 02 Touch – like running non-contact sessions and trying to get men, women and beginners playing – he was really behind that and delighted that we are trying to get more people into the sport.

“He was happy to pose for pictures that we can use to promote our work.”

Mr Stowe added that the afternoon had been one to remember for 14-year-old George.

He said: “We won’t be able to wipe the smile off his face for a while.”