The club is extremely sad to learn about the passing of long serving fan and volunteer Frank Tweddle at the age of 81.

Frank, who started supporting the club from a very early age, spent many years volunteering for the club as statistician, programme contributor and editor -- his speciality was writing historical articles -- and played a major role in the club's centenary celebrations in 1983. He also wrote in 2000 what was a real labour of love and what many considered to be a club bible -- The Definitive Darlington FC, which contained all the club's results going back to 1883, all the scorers going back to 1908, and the full line ups going back to 1922. It is a reference book that is still used by many people. He also played a role in the Farewell to Feethams celebrations in 2003.

Frank was a typical Darlington fan, who stood by the club through thick and thin, went to Wembley for the play off finals and the Trophy final, and continued to follow the club when it became fan-owned. He was a regular at Blackwell Meadows and went to the occasional away game.

In the picture above, Frank (left) is presented with a framed photo of Feethams by club official Dave Mills at the 2013 presentation evening.

Everyone at the club would like to pass on their sincere condolences to Frank's family and friends.

Frank's funeral is on Friday 25th July, 11.30am at the Victorian Chapel in West Cemetery on Carmel Road in Darlington.