By Martin Walker

Raj Singh has congratulated the Morritt Arms Hotel who won the right to be Darlington's home shirt sponsor for the 2010-11 season.

The prestigious hotel was drawn out of the hat at Friday night's draw, with seven companies entering the £5k competition.

The historic Morritt Hotel, at Gretna Bridge in Teesdale, is run by Barbara Johnson and her husband Peter Phillips, who are keen football fans.

Speaking in his match programme notes for tomorrow's home game against Aldershot, Quakers chairman Singh said: "Our dinner on Friday night marked the end of our 'Business Backing Darlington Club' campaign to try and get as many local companies as possible to get involved with the club.

"We're delighted with the support we've received from the local business community - not just with this campaign but on all corporate sides of the club - and it we were delighted for the Morritt Arms Hotel, who won the right to be shirt sponsor for the 2010-11 season.

"The whole event on Friday night was a thoroughly enjoyable evening and I think everyone who attended really enjoyed it.

"We've been working hard with our corporate fans and sponsors recently and I'm now able to tell you that the majority of our executive box holders have already committed to renew for next season.

"This is largely credit to general manager, Phil Preston, and his hard-working staff who continue to do a fantastic job making sure everything is happening behind the scenes and we're maximising the Northern Echo Arena."