The Darlington Building Society NYSD League has been boosted with the transfer from the Readers Durham County League of Sedgefield, whose first team will begin in Division Two.

Their Second XI will operate in the Third Division and the third team will play in the Sunday Division.

The annual general meeting also decided on a restructuring of the lower divisions.

Division Two will be made up to 12 teams and Division Three will have ten. Teams in the two divisions will play each other on a home and away basis.

The Ken Walsh Cup for Division Three sides will also have a new format with the ten teams split into two groups of five and playing each other in a mini league.

The top team in each group will meet in the final. Matches will be played on a weekend, on a 40-overs a side basis.

The Sunday League, following its initial successful launch in 2004 will be split into two divisions with a two up, two down promotion and relegation system.

A significant alteration to the rules will allow Premier Division clubs to have two paid players.

One can be an overseas player, however, player/coach registrations will only be accepted from genuine applicants.

"This change effectively legitimises the current situation, provides clear guidelines to clubs and allows all clubs to compete on an equal footing if they so wish. Hopefully, it will help retain quality players within the league," said president Chris West.

Following long negotiations, the Darlington Building Society has agreed to support the league for a further three years and has also agreed a separate sponsorship for the MacMillan Cup.

In addition terms have been agreed with the Tall Trees Hotel, Yarm which will enable the MacMillan Cup to take on greater status.