LEFT-back Ben Jackson has joined his hometown team on a season-long loan deal and Stockport manager Jim Gannon believes the move will benefit the youngster's development.
The pacey left-footer, who can also play wide in the midfield, arrives at Edgeley Park from Huddersfield Town.
Having joined the Town Academy at Under-15 level, Ben has risen through the ranks and made the breakthrough into Town's Under-18 side as a schoolboy, scoring once in seven starts and three substitute appearances in 2016/17.
Last September he joined Town's week-long Under-19 tour of Portugal, facing top-quality European opposition.
Ben, who was born in Stockport, joined Darlington on loan, making seven appearances in the National League North and scoring once. Included in those appearances was a start against the Hatters at Edgeley Park.
Manager Jim Gannon told the club's official website: "Ben came to our attention in his performance for Darlington at Edgeley Park last season and we have tracked his progress since.
"Our interest was accelerated with the departure of Scott Duxbury and the need to recruit an athletic, attack-minded left-back.
"His experience of playing in the National League North has helped with his maturity and a position in a National League team will only benefit his development.
"Tommy Wright, who managed him at Darlington, gave Ben glowing references as a person, professional and player, which built our confidence in adding him to our squad."