A MYSTERY surrounding the whereabouts of the keys to a former North-East football stadium has been solved - thanks to The Northern Echo.

We revealed yesterday how the owner of Feethams, the former home of Darlington Football Club, could not get inside the ground because the keys could not be found.

A security guard, who could seemingly not be traced, appeared to be the only person with access to the site.

But he contacted The Northern Echo after seeing our front page story and let us into the ground yesterday afternoon.

David Bennett, 32, of the town's Haughton Road, said he was surprised no one could find him - because he was employed by Darlington FC to guard the stadium every weekend.

"I think it's ridiculous that everyone is saying they don't know where the keys are," he said. "They are just passing the buck all the time about who owns the ground and the stand.

"It's just got beyond a joke."

Father-of-four Mr Bennett, a Quakers supporter, is paid to guard Feethams for two 12-hour shifts every weekend - though the ground has no toilets or heating.

The Northern Echo has passed his details to Darlington Cricket Club, which sub-lets Feethams from Darlington Feethams Cricket Field Trust, and which was considering paying a locksmith to gain entry to the ground.

Cricket club chairman Brian Johnson said: "I'm delighted. The Northern Echo has done very well, but I'll still just hold my breath until I've got the keys in my mitts.

"When I have, and can get in, I will be very pleased."

A Darlington FC spokesman said: "We are grateful that The Northern Echo has helped to resolve the mystery of the Feethams keys."