A Darlington rugby club is moving forward on and off the pitch with a new website and an initiative to introduce more women to the game.

Mowden Park RFC's new schemes are part of a Rugby for All initiative, which has had an encouraging start with more than 40 girls turning up for training in the first two weeks.

The Darlington club is trying to encourage girls and women who want to keep fit and have fun to visit the site, with the aim of breaking down barriers that can sometimes be associated with signing up for the sport.

The club believes the website, set up by Intermedia Solutions in Darlington, can help girls take those first steps towards taking up rugby training.

The new female squad has already linked up with the area's only National League side at Mowden and are keen to encourage more to join.

Until recently, girls could only play rugby in mixed teams until the age of 12 and then they had to retire, waiting until they were 16 before they could join a women's team.

Training for girls aged 12 to 16 takes place at Mowden's ground, in Yiewsley Drive, every Thursday, from 6pm to 7pm, with coach Debbie Alton.

Matches are usually played on Sundays.

Ms Alton said: "It is a great opportunity for girls to keep fit, have fun, make new friends and generally socialise. Rugby is a lot more than just playing a game, and at Mowden we encourage everyone to get involved by striving to make rugby inclusive for all."

Anyone who wants to find out more about the sport can visit the club site at www.dmprfc.com.