SUNDERLAND AFC is launching a new service which allows supporters visiting its official website to search for local businesses.

The business directory, in association with froghopper.com, will run from the club homepage at www. safc.com.

Supporters will be able to search for additional information or services without having to leave the site, while businesses in the North-East are entitled to a free listing.

All search results will be presented in either a text format or banner advert, unique to Froghopper.com, giving browsers a direct link to individual companies.

Kevin Beales, Sunderland's new media officer, said: "This directory will make it even easier for supporters to search for products and services across the region without having to leave the website.

"We are always looking for new ways to improve our service to our supporters and this will help them, while also giving local companies a boost by providing a free and direct link to their sites for the thousands of people who visit our site every week."

Find out more about the service by logging on to www.safc.com for a demonstration of the system, to be launched when the football season starts next month.