AN ice hockey team has netted a donation to help keep its players kitted out.

Billingham Stars, a semi-professional team formerly known as the Billingham Bombers, spend around £50,000 on equipment and goes through 40-50 sticks a season.

And the Stockton branch of the Darlington Building Society has added £240 to boost the club's coffers.

(CORR)Allen Flavell, general manager of Billingham Stars, said: “The money will be used to buy equipment that will be used by all of our teams from the under-nines team right the way up to the first team. It is expensive to make sure that we have the best and most sturdy equipment and protection, but it’s crucial that our players are protected.”

The team play in the National Ice Hockey League North Moralee Conference, where they currently sit just outside a playoff position.

Branch manager Dawn Moore, said“As part of our 160th anniversary celebrations the Society is aiming to help 160 local organisations, including sports clubs by using our resources, including the branch community funds.

“Supporting our local communities is incredibly important to us as an organisation and sport is such an important part of any community. Lifelong community links are forged on the field, or in this case, the rink.

“We wish Billingham Stars all the best for what’s left of the ice hockey season. It would be great to see them reach the play offs this year.”