A LOCAL brewer has created a special ale to be sold limitedly during the Darlington Arts Festival.

Mithril Ales, based in Richmond, has brewed ‘Artistic Licence’ in its sixth year collaborating with the summer festival.

The beer will be available at The Quakerhouse, ORB Micropub, Voodoo Café and The Old Vic in Darlington as well as in selected pubs in the surrounding areas.

Pete Fenwick of the Mithril Ales said: “Artistic Licence is a quaffable Deep Golden session beer with a hint of malt balanced with fresh, fruity hop flavour and a bitter finish. It is hopped with three American hops; Summit for bittering and flavour then Liberty and Simcoe for taste and aroma.”

The beer will also be available at selected pubs across the area such as the Stanwick in Aldbrough St John; Croft Hotel in Croft; Ship Inn in Richmond; High Force Hotel in Teesdale; Ship Inn in Middlestone Village and the Old Well and Glaxo Club in Barnard Castle.

Arts Festival Co-ordinator Jane Hindle said: "It’s great news that Mithril Ales are again adding an extra celebratory element to the Arts Festival with their unique ale."

Darlington Arts Festival, organised by Darlington for Culture, runs until June 3 and celebrates art, music, theatre, comedy, literature and dance across various venues in the town such as the Darlington Hippodrome and The Forum Music centre.

More information about the festival line-up can be found at darlingtonforculture.org/