Work has started on a building that will bring together two centres of sporting excellence inthe region.
Durham County Football Association's new £750,000 headquarters will be based at the Riverside Cricket Ground, in Chester-le-Street.
The three-storey steel frame, 600-square metre building will house the body responsible for governing football in the area.
It will also provide a centre for football development.
Chairman of the County Durham Football Association Frank Pattinson said: "This is one of the most exciting days in the 120 year history of the County Durham FA and the building will be of immense benefit to both ourselves and the people of Chester-Le-Street."
The new building has been designed by the Howe Partnership with project management by the Newcastle office of construction consultants, Hall and Partners.
Contractors for the 36-week project will be Tolent Construction.
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