A BUILDING society has appointed a new marketing agency to promote its brand as it celebrates its 150th anniversary.

Darlington Building Society will now use Yarm-based company RDW for its marketing. It is the first time since 1994 that the society has changed its agency.

Work has started to re-design the society's promotional literature, and media strategies will also be developed.

A difference will also be noticeable on streets across the region, as Darlington Building Society branch windows are given a new look.

RDW, in operation in the region since 1978, was chosen ahead of renowned agencies from outside the North-East, and society officials hope the change will maintain and strengthen the brand in its 150th year.

Peter Rowley, chief executive of the society, said: "2006 is a very important year in the history of Darlington Building Society as we celebrate our 150th anniversary

"Our partnership with RDW marks an exciting start to the year, and we look forward to working closely with them for many years to come."

Carol Huitson, director of RDW, said: "Brand-building is one of our areas of expertise and we look forward to developing even further what is already one of the region's strongest and most recognisable brands over the coming months."