A Teesside-based company is the first to throw its hat in the ring to become Darlington FC's new shirt sponsor for next season.

The Quakers are offering companies of all sizes the chance to be the club's official shirt sponsor in 2010-11 as part of the unique Business Backing Darlington Club, which involves firms paying £5,000 in return for a number of hospitality benefits.

All members of the exclusive club will be automatically entered into a free draw, with the club's official shirt sponsor up for grabs!

And Joseph Parr Ltd, a timber and builders merchant, has become the first company to enter.

David Anderson, managing director of Joseph Parr, said: "The package they have put together is a no-lose situation for us.

"We would probably do most of the hospitality package there anyway, so the chance to be shirt sponsor as well is an excellent opportunity.

"We're doing this is to support the club, so we want more people to also get involved. The facilities at the Arena are second to none and the hospitality superb, so I'd encourage anyone to get on board."

Darlington's general manager Phil Preston said: "We're delighted Joseph Parr have come on board.

"This is something we've never offered before and we believe it opens the availability of the shirt sponsorship to all ranges of businesses and gives a unique chance most companies can't afford to miss.

"A shirt sponsorship deal is a brilliant way to increase brand awareness, but it's probably something a lot of firms look at and think it's out of their reach.

"This will be within a lot of company's budgets and, at the end of the day, one lucky company will end up on the front of our shirt, so from a business point of view it's a no-brainer.

"The best thing is that every firm will get a great deal to show in return for their investment, and 100% of the revenue earned from this goes back into supporting the club, so it's an ideal way for our corporate and business fans to support Darlington FC.

"It also gives firms a chance to network with quarterly events at the Arena, meaning members will be able to enjoy each others' company and discuss ways they can trade together and develop a successful local strategy, all while supporting the local football club."

As well as the chance of becoming shirt sponsors, the full list of benefits for members includes:

● A perimeter advertising board at the Northern Echo Arena for the 2010-11 season.

● A full Match Sponsorship package, including a full-page matchday programme advert, 2010-11.

● A company logo listed in every matchday programme as part of the Business Backing Darlington Club.

● A table of 10 to a Sportsman's Dinner in March, when guest speaker Craig Hignett will make the make the draw.

● A 20% discount on all other conference and banqueting bookings made throughout the 2010-11 season.

Interested companies or individual business people can call the club's general manager Phil Preston on 01325 387000, or email phil.preston@darlington-fc.net