A DARLINGTON tennis club has been served up a funding boost, after agreeing its first sponsorship deal.

Wellfield Tennis Club, in High Coniscliffe, approached Darlington-based wealth management company Arc.

The club was looking for support and to make links in the business community.

Wellfield was founded more than 50 years ago and has more than 80 members.

The £1,000 donation will help the club promote tennis.

Arc has also officially sponsored Wellfield for one year.

The club is is now geared up for its busiest period following Wimbledon.

Mike Sowerby, from Wellfield Tennis Club, said: " We are absolutely delighted to be sponsored for the first time by a successful Darlington company and are looking forward to working together to promote the club and its facilities to local people in the area.

"The donation is greatly appreciated by all of the members."

Andrew Chambers, managing director of Arc Wealth Limited, said: "We are always looking to play a part helping to support our local community and are proud to be associated with Wellfield.

"We hope by being a part of a successful club we can help encourage community sport especially at a grassroots level.

£We looking forward to working with Wellfield over the coming year."