CHRIS HUNTER and Gary Brown last night joined South Shields, bringing an end their respective lengthy spells with Darlington.

Brown announced his departure from Quakers last weekend, whereas Darlington this week stated that Hunter had been retained.

However, both defenders have now joined the ambitious South Tyneside club, who have won three promotions in a row and next season will be in the Northern Premier League, one division below Darlington.

Speedy former Shildon player Hunter had been with Quakers since 2013, playing in 160 matches and was part of two promotion-winning teams, but missed most of this season with an ankle injury.

He said: “A massive thank you to Darlington and all the fans for the support over the last five years.

“It’s been an unbelievable journey with the club, am now looking forward to my next challenge.”

He told South Shields' official website: “I’m very pleased to be here. I’ve been at Darlo for five years, and it will be nice to come and play for my hometown club eventually.

“All of my friends and family come and watch, so it will be nice to play in front of them here.

“The fans want another promotion and it’s up to the players to do it for them.”

Brown, who first joined Darlington in 2012, said: “I’m buzzing to be here.

“It’s a new challenge for me and I’m really looking forward to it.

“The phonecall from Lee Picton and Graham Fenton came really early, as soon as they found out I was available.

“They were really hungry to get me here and the club is a great fit for me.

“It has got a great fanbase, it’s a great club and it’s moving in the right direction. I was very excited to come and be part of it.”

Hunter’s exit leaves Darlington with six defenders: Luke Trotman, Dom Collins, Josh Heaton, Jack Vaulks, Terry Galbraith and Ben O’Hanlon, excluding Kevin Burgess who is on the transfer list.