INTERESTED parties battling to save Darlington Football Club met at a secret location this morning to try to thrash out an eleventh-hour deal.

Three separate elements came together to discuss a plan which involves an eco-friendly residential development on the Neasham Road site and the stadium.

Discussions are now continuing with council officials to assess the validity of the scheme and, meanwhile, attempts are being made to raise enough funds to continue the administration.

The meeting was attended by members of the Darlington Football Club Rescue Group, led by businessman Mark Meynell, who have worked tirelessly in recent weeks to find a solution.

Other local businessmen, who have been working on the housing development idea, were also at the meeting, along with two out-of-town businessmen who are interested in investing in the scheme, and the town's MP Jenny Chapman.

Their identities of the potential investors are not being revealed at this stage.

Peter Barron, editor of The Northern Echo, was also at the meeting. He said: "It is clear that extraordinary efforts are being made to save the club. There are major hurdles to overcome and the club's future still hangs in the balance but the work being done behind the scenes should be applauded."

The hope is that the club can at least continue until the end of the month, which takes in two potentially money-spinning homes games against Fleetwood and York.

Time is criticial because Yarm-based administrator Harvey Madden is understood to become legally liable for the running of the club from midnight tonight, including the cost of players' wages.