TICKETS for Darlington Football Club matches are going on sale across the town as part of an initiative launched by the Quakers and the publishers of The Northern Echo.

Newsquest North-East has teamed up with the club to offer supporters a handy alternative to getting their tickets from the Williamson Motors Stadium.

They are now available at the reception counter of The Northern Echo's town centre offices, in Priestgate, and eight other retail outlets in Darlington and surrounding villages. The arrangement is one of a series of initiatives unveiled by the club in a bid to boost attendances.

Fans buying adult tickets at the new outlets will get them at the discounted price of £13 and also get a free Lotto Lucky Dip ticket. Concession tickets remain at £7 each.

Chairman Stewart Davies said: "We have listened to our fans and one of the problems we keep hearing is that many would like to purchase their tickets ahead of the day of the match, without coming to the stadium.

"The support of the management and journalists at The Northern Echo, Darlington and Stockton Times and Advertiser Series has been brilliant this season, and this initiative is a shining example of how organisations can work together to help each other and the town."

Club captain Craig Liddle said: "If it's going to help supporters come through the gates, it's got to be a great thing."

Peter Barron, editor of The Northern Echo, said: "We are delighted to be working together with the football club and hope our joint initiative will help drum up further support on match days."

Tickets are now available for Tuesday night's league match against Swansea City.

Outlets selling tickets are:

* Asha News, Whessoe Road

* Spar Shop, The Green, Hurworth

* Douglas News' shops in Bondgate and Duke Street

* Neasham Road News

* Milbank Post Office, Pierremont Crescent

* Londis, Middleton St George

* Martins' Newsagents, Whitby Way

Tickets bought at The Northern Echo cost £12, but do not include a Lotto ticket.

Read more about the Quakers here.