Buoyant Darlington FC has unveiled a new initiative to help drum up support for the Quakers.

The club is staging a special "Bang the drum for Darlington" night at next Tuesday's home match against Mansfield Town.

Supporters are being encouraged to bring drums along to the Williamson Motors Stadium in the hope of generating a carnival atmosphere to spur on the players in their push for the League Two play-off places.

Four percussion specialists from Catterick Garrison's Normandy Band have accepted Quakers' chairman Stewart Davies' invitation to join him in the directors' box to lead the drumming.

Mr Davies said: "These are very exciting times at the club and I think this drumming initiative is one of many ways we can generate a great atmosphere at our home matches."

He added: "Taking three points from games like the Mansfield match is crucial if we are to achieve our goal of promotion this season and it's important that the fans turn out in force to cheer the lads on."

The price of a pint of beer or lager has been reduced to £1, between 5.30pm and 7pm, in the stadium before the game.