AN event aimed at boosting sport in the Darlington area will be staged next month.

Representatives of sports clubs, community partnerships, Darlington Borough Council and voluntary organisations will be coming together to share ideas on how to enhance local provision.

The event takes place at Hummersknott School and Language College, in Edinburgh Drive, on Thursday, October 13, from 6pm to 9pm.

It has been organised by the Darlington Sports Development Network.

A network spokesman said: "The aim of this evening is to keep people up-to-date with some of the recent developments throughout the town, and is an opportunity in which organisations, schools or clubs could be helped."

Indoor sporting provision in the town has come under scrutiny this week after a former professional footballer said it was declining.

Paul Bielby, who played for Manchester United during his career, called on the borough council to make dramatic improvements.

In response, council leader John Williams said the authority was committed to providing quality sports and leisure.