DARLINGTON FC has today announced an impressive two-year sponsorship deal with Virgin Trains.

The agreement will mean the East Coast route operator features on all first team and replica kits.

The announcement comes as fans gather in Darlington town centre to celebrate the club’s title-winning season and promotion to the National League North.

Club director John Tempest said: “We have worked very hard to secure a top national sponsor and for a club at our level to attract Virgin Trains is a real coup and demonstrates we are taking the club to the next level in terms of corporate sponsorship.”

Speaking about the deal, Darlington FC manager Martin Gray said: “The new shirt looks fantastic and to have such a well-known and successful brand on the kit shirt reinforces the history and tradition of our great Club in attracting such interest.”

Richard Cook, club director, added: “The announcement of our partnership with Virgin Trains is the first of a number of exciting announcements the club will be making to the fans of Darlington FC over the coming months as we move back home to Darlington.

“With this seasons promotion and the successful fund raising for the Back to Darlo appeal there has never been a better time to support The Quakers.”

Phillip Peacock, brand partnerships manager for Virgin Trains, said it was an exciting time to be working with Darlington FC.

“It’s club with real heritage with an exciting future ahead.

“Working closely with organisations and people along our route, and being part of the community are important to Virgin Trains, so we’re delighted to be supporting a club that has such strong community links, and we’re looking forward to being part of the club’s exciting future - bring on next season and beyond.”

Jenny Chapman, MP for Darlington, added: “It’s great to see a national company investing in Darlington FC as the club continues on its journey back to the town and on its rise back up the leagues.”

The operator said more than 60 Virgin Trains a day run to and from Darlington.

The new Avec kit, featuring the Virgin Trains logo, will be available to purchase at the end of May.