Darlington Mowden Park Rugby Club has had a successful Under-16 Girls team for the last two years and this season they were crowned North-East Champions and North of England Challenge Champions.

The Under-16 team is for girls aged 12-16 years but some of the older girls must now move up and form an Under-18 squad as they are too old to play at Under-16 level.

Therefore, the club is looking for new players both in the Under-16 and Under-18 age groups.

Training takes place every Thursday between 6pm and 8pm at Mowden's ground in Yiewsley Drive and anyone interested in finding out more will be made welcome.

Anita Blackburn, Mowden Girls' secretary, said: "This is an exceptional opportunity for girls and young women in the town to develop fitness, play a competitive sport and make new social contacts.

"Both the Under 18s and Under 16s have fixture lists for next season and I expect that both teams will do well. It's the first time that Mowden Park has been able to offer Under 18 Girls' rugby and it is an exciting development for all involved."

For further details please contact Anita Blackburn on 07715808674.

The girls pictured are new Under-16 players: Hannah Sykes and Judy Williams.