Darlington Football Club has unveiled plans to build a new training ground.

The Quakers, who have seen a transformation in fortunes since coming out of administration, have earmarked land next to the Williamson Motors Stadium for the centre.

Officials at the League Two team are now finalising plans to create a floodlit complex, to include three training pitches and a pavilion.

The four acres of land, to the east of the £20m stadium, is accessible from both the main car park and the A66.

Local solicitors' firm, Blackett Hart and Pratt, is handling the planning application.

The club's chief executive Andy Battison said: "The team currently trains in Durham, but it makes a lot of sense to use land we already own next to the stadium, so that we are bringing everything on to the one site and keeping things in Darlington."

Quakers' boss David Hodgson said: "We already know that having a quality home venue like the Williamson Motors Stadium is brilliant for the lads and it gives us a huge psychological lift to arrive here on match days."

He added that by having their own training ground on site, the players will get a boost on training days as well.

The club said preliminary discussions had been held with the local authority.

A council spokesman said: "We look forward to receiving the club's application, which of course will have to go through the due planning process."

The club is also seeking talks with McDonalds about a possible sponsorship deal for the North Stand.