A RUGBY club has announced a partnership with the National Fostering Agency (NFA).

The agency has relocated its regional office to The Northern Echo Arena, home of Darlington Mowden Park rugby club as part of the link-up.

Founded in 1995, the NFA works with local authorities and UK foster carers to create the best possible opportunities children in foster care.

NFA team manager Neil Morris said: “The National Fostering Agency is delighted to be affiliated with Mowden Park.

"We hold many of the same values in our shared vision, with children and young people very much at the centre of both our organisations.

"By forming this partnership we are hoping to build our identity as a leading foster care provider in the North of England.”

Mowden was recently announced as a training base venue for the New Zealand team at next year's rugby world cup.

It will also host two international matches, featuring England and Scotland's under-20s and ladies sides, next march.

Mowden Park commercial director Lee Rust added: “We have worked very hard to attract the right kind of organisations to the arena.

"Since the NFA relocated here in early 2014, the relationship has gone from strength to strength.

"We are delighted to be involved and are equally excited about the initiatives that we will be running with the NFA and the positive impacts that these can represent locally."

For more information about becoming a foster carer, email nmorris@nfa.co.uk or call 07980-981-576.