Darlington Building Society has paid out a handsome dividend from its Pool Supporter Account to Hartlepool United Football Club.

Since the account was launched 18-months ago, almost 600 fans have opened accounts with Darlington Building Society.

The account works on the same principal as the society's popular Quakers Account, for rivals Darlington football Club.

A cash payment equivalent to one per cent of the average total balance in all Pool Supporter Accounts is paid to the Club annually.

To date, Hartlepool United Football Club has benefited to the tune of £3,756.78 and if accounts continue to be opened at the present rate, the bonuses are expected to grow substantially over the next few years.

Brian Wilson, branch manager at the Darlington Building Society office in York Road, Hartlepool, presented the cheque to Chris Turner, manager of Hartlepool United Football Club.

He said: "Darlington Building Society is proud to sponsor Hartlepool United Football Club.

"Over the last couple of seasons the Pool Supporter Account has provided fans of the Club with an opportunity to support the 'Pools in a way they really appreciate - financially."

Responding for Hartlepool United Football Club, Chris Turner said, "The 'Pool Supporter Account from Darlington Building Society has proved to be an innovative and effective way for 'Pools fans to provide additional financial support for their Club.

"It is encouraging that almost 600 accounts have been opened. With an exciting future beckoning for the Club, I would encourage any 'Pools fans who have not already opened a 'Pool Supporter Account to open one as soon as possible.