QUAKERS fans are in for a tasty treat this weekend - when the club's main sponsors hand out a thousand chocolate bars.

Darlington Building Society is making the gesture to reward Darlington fans' loyalty during a season hampered by financial troubles.

As part of the firm's sponsorship arrangement with the club, one match each season is nominated as the Darlington Building Society family game. This year, it will be today's game against Swansea City - the last home game of the season.

As part of the arrangement, the society has donated 350 tickets to local sports clubs, schools and youth organisations.

Three chocolate bars will contain golden tickets, giving recipients the chance to attend a Darlington Building Society game of their choice for two people, in the presidential suite, next season.

Marketing assistant Nicky Cooper said: "Now that Football League survival has been confirmed, we would like to reward loyal Darlo fans for their support through these difficult times and hope that a bumper crowd comes along on Saturday to support their team."

Supporters to honour top players

Darlington Football Club's top-performing players will be honoured by their fans on Saturday night.

Darlington Supporters' Club stages its awards ceremony in the presidential suite at the club's stadium, in Neasham Road, starting at 8pm.

Accolades will be handed out for the Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year, Away Player of the Year and Goal of the Season.

Manager David Hodgson and the players will be at the event, which will also see awards handed out by the Darlo Uncovered and TinShed websites.

There will be pie and peas, a raffle and disco.

Tickets cost £6 and can be booked on (01325) 243911 or from supporters' club officials in Bar 66, during today's game against Swansea.

Stars give shirts off their backs

Liverpool stars past and present are the latest to donate signed shirts to help Darlington Football Club.

Anfield legend Kenny Dalglish has given the shirt he wore during a charity match in aid of the Quakers in January, while England midfielder Steven Gerrard has signed his Liverpool shirt for the raffle.

Other prizes up for grabs include David Beckham's signed Real Madrid shirt, Thierry Henry's signed Arsenal shirt and Liverpool and England striker Michael Owen's signed boots.

Winners will be drawn during half-time of today's game against Swansea.

All proceeds from the raffle, which has been organised in conjunction with GNJ Sports Management Ltd, will go towards the club's running costs.

Tickets, costing £5 a strip, can be obtained from the football club, The Northern Echo, Cummins Engineering, Farmway and Olympic Mini Stores.

Read more about the Quakers here.