THE property development company behind the Feethams Darlington leisure complex has underlined its commitment to the region by becoming the latest organisation to join Darlington Cares.

A corporate social responsibility and employee supported volunteering initiative, Darlington Cares was formed in 2013.

Urban & Civic has masterminded the multi-million pound Feethams complex, which is due to open in the town this spring.

The development, adjacent to the Darlington Borough Council offices, will be home to a number of restaurant chains, an 80–bed Premier Inn hotel and a nine-screen Vue cinema.

Now the property development and investment company has lent its support to Darlington Cares, which matches the skills, expertise and resources of employers to community projects, groups and charities where they can have the most impact.

So far more than 20 local employers including Cummins, EE, Sherwoods, Darlington Borough Council and Teesside University have supported the project to deliver nearly 10,000 hours of volunteering.

Darlington Cares programme co-ordinator Simone McNeill said: “We wish Urban & Civic a warm welcome, as we are delighted to have them join the membership. By Urban Civic being actively involved with Darlington Cares, it demonstrates their commitment in making Darlington a better place.”

Simon Hawkins, development director for Urban & Civic, said the company was keen to add its backing to Darlington Cares.

He said “The Feethams development is one that we are all incredibly proud of here, and we are looking forward to becoming an integral part of the local economy and wider community.

"Joining Darlington cares is just another opportunity for us to help support the continued redevelopment and investment in this great town.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about Darlington Cares can contact Simone McNeill on 01642-738964, email s.mcneill@tees.ac.uk or visit darlingtoncares.co.uk