Former Newcastle United fullback Ollie Bernard says his plans at Durham City are working.

Bernard owns the Northeast club and is eager to use it to lift the quality of youth development in the region.

He told Foot Mercato: "I want to make Durham one of the best clubs in the Northeast. For now, I do not think the region is developing enough young people. I want to raise the profile of the club and make connections with Sunderland, Newcastle and Middlesbrough. Look at the England team, how many of them come from here? I will do everything I can to send players from Durham to the national team and help them grow.

"I had a player two or three years ago who signed for Glasgow Rangers, I have another player who signed in the fourth division at Oxford, I had a few who managed to win a professional contract. That's the point. That's why I came to Durham. I believe in youth and I think it is important to lead the way. I had the opportunity to play at the highest level and if I can give advice to young people I do it willingly."