A NORTH-EAST football club is playing Father Christmas to attract its biggest crowd of the season.

Darlington FC will open free to children at the Boxing Day home match against Rochdale.

Club officials are hoping the offer will help create a Christmas carnival atmosphere at the Williamson Motors Stadium, as the team continues its push for promotion from League Two.

Under-fives are admitted to the ground free but, by opening the offer to all schoolchildren, the club is signalling its intention to attract more young fans.

Recent attendances at the Neasham Road venue have been disappointing for a team now in fifth place in the table and boasting the likes of Clyde Wijnhard and Craig Hignett.

As a result, the club's owners are determined to appeal to a wider audience. Adults will also be in for a festive treat at the December 26 match. From noon to 2pm, beer and lager will be £1 a pint at the Tin Shed Bar and the Corner Bar.

The borough council has also allowed the club to open its car park for free entry until 2pm on the day as a one-off.

Fans who have a season ticket for the car park will have their spaces reserved by stewards. Further offers are expected to be announced next week.

Quakers' manager David Hodgson said: "There is a real feelgood factor around and we want to turn that into a fun atmosphere for the whole family on Boxing Day. It should prove to be a very entertaining game as, like us, Rochdale are positioned in the top half of the table, where there are presently only three points separating us in fifth and them in 11th."

The match will kick off at 3pm.