Darlington have today announced the arrival of centre-back Graeme Lee.

The experienced former Hartlepool United defender has signed a one-year contract at The Northern Echo Arena

The 33-year-old was released by Notts County with whom he won promotion from the League Two during the 2009-10 season with the title-clinching match being played at the Arena. 

"He was our number one choice so we're absolutely delighted to finally get him," said manager Mark Cooper.

"Graeme was being chased by a number of clubs and had several offers, some of them better than we were offering, but he liked the model we put to him.

"Moving back to Middlesbrough was a big factor for him and his family, but the chairman and I met him up here on Sunday and he liked what the chairman had to say about where he wants to take things, and what I had to say on the football side of things."

Lee is Cooper's third summer signing having also recruited striker James Walshaw and midfielder Kris Taylor.

He will now turn his attention towards bringing in a forward as well as a goalkeeper.