THE Darlington Business Club has become an affiliate of the North-East Chamber of Commerce.

The affiliation means its members can take advantage of some of the benefits available to chamber members.

Chris Beaumont, vice-chairman of the chamber and a member of the club committee, said: "This new affiliation will be of real benefit to Darlington Business Club (DBC) members. The North East Chamber of Commerce plays an important role in the region's business community and offers some excellent benefits to its members. DBC members can take advantage of the chamber's excellent services and contacts to boost their role in the community and their business."

Recent European funding has also helped the expansion of business clubs in the region. Business Clubs North East now represents nine clubs across the area. The club celebrated its news with a wine tasting evening, sponsored by chartered accountants Clive Owen and hosted by business club member Charles Folkes, who buys wines from small vineyards in the Bordeaux region of France.

Mr Beaumont, who is also manager of Clive Owen, said: "Events like this are an important way for the business community to maximise the resources the area has to offer through networking and the exchange of ideas."