WITH the superstructure of Darlington Football Club's new stadium complete, the first consignment of 25,000 seating units has arrived at the Neasham Road site.

But before a single seat can be put in place, 100,000 fixing holes will have to be drilled into the banks of concrete terraces.

Club chairman George Reynolds said: "There is a lot of preparation work to be carried out first, but I'm confident all the seats will be installed within the next few weeks."

At the same time as the drilling of the terraces began, mowers began the first cutting of the newly seeded playing surface. Construction of the 30 executive boxes has also started, with the first one scheduled for completion in the next five weeks.

Work has also started on the mechanical and electrical installations, and the construction of internal walls.

The feature glass wall which will form the front faade of the stadium should be completed by the weekend.

Mr Reynolds said: "It is all coming together magnificently.

"We have received great support from the thousands of visitors who have taken the time to come and see the stadium - everyone seems to be greatly impressed.''

Read more about the Quakers here.