From left to right: Eileen Johnson (Mayoress of Stockton), Joanne Cameron (Darlington FC), Jenny Chapman (MP for Darlington), Sarah Hall (Darlington Rugby Club), John Tempest (Darlington FC)

Darlington FC and Darlington Rugby Club joined forces on Saturday to tackle period poverty raised by the "On the Ball" campaign.

Darlington FC will be providing female fans with free sanitary products at Blackwell Meadows -- the products will be available in all female toilets throughout the rest of the season.

John Tempest, DFC Director, said:  "We are delighted to become the latest club to sign up to this great initiative and make the match day experience better for our female fans.

“One in 10 girls are unable to afford sanitary products and nearly half (48 per cent) of girls aged 14-21 in the UK are embarrassed by their periods, so by providing these products free of charge we hope to make the match day experience the best it can possibly be for our female supporters.

“Whilst we have a good stock to kick-start this programme, we will be creating a collection point at the ground where supporters can donate sanitary products throughout the rest of the season.”