Darlington Football Club is frantically searching for a new signing to parade before the fans this week.

But the man or woman club bosses are looking for will not be playing for the first team - they are more likely to be left on the sidelines.

That is because they need someone prepared to don the outfits of the popular club mascots, Mr Q and The Quaker Kid.

Quakers, who lost 1-0 at Southend at the weekend, play their first home game of the season on Saturday against Kidderminster Harriers and want the new signing to be in place before then.

The club, which will be moving into a 25,000 all-seater stadium next season, started the search when the previous occupant decided he had outgrown the job at 17-years-old.

The position is likely to be for one year only, as Darlington's flamboyant chairman George Reynolds will probably design a new mascot when the team moves.

Club spokesman Luke Raine said: "We're looking for someone to fill his boots for one season.

"Being a Darlington fanatic would help. And whoever gets the job knows they will never get cold in that suit."

Mr Raine said the job description requires someone who is outgoing and an extrovert.

Anyone wanting to apply to become Mr Q can contact the club on (01325) 240240.