A new study has been commissioned by Hartlepool Council and Hartlepool United Football Club (HUFC) to explore the potential sale of Victoria Park to the npower League One club.

The economic impact study, which forms part of ongoing talks between the two groups, is to look at the benefits the club brings to the town and the impact it has on the local community.

HUFC chief executive Russ Green said: "We see the commissioning of an independent study as a positive step forward in trying to progress the sale of Victoria Park."

Meanwhile, the council is also inviting developers to submit plans for a wider overhaul of the Mill House site. Interested parties have until the end of the year to lodge their proposals.