Darlington and District Business Club has hit a century of membership, signing up its oldest member.

Walworth Castle Hotel has become the 100th business to join the club, which has seen rapid growth in the past 18 months. The castle dates back to the 12th century.

The club aims to bring together the local business community, and promote networking and inter-trading between club members.

It attributes its growth and success to the funding and support it receives from Darlington Borough Council and the European Regional Development Fund.

The funding enabled it to appoint a full-time coordinator to oversee the administration of the club, which is based at the Imperial Centre, in the town.

Chairman Nigel Foster said: "We are delighted to have reached this milestone in the club's history.

"The club provides a pro-active networking platform for businesses of all sizes and sectors in this area, and we welcome Walworth castle to the club, and look forward to introducing them to other members."

The club meets on the first Wednesday of every month, at Darlington Football Club's Feethams ground.

For more information about the club's activities, contact Amanda Armstrong on (01325) 483 848, or log on to the website at darlingtonbusinessclub.co.uk