There aren't many who have seen Darlington in action more times than 81-year-old Mabel Neil.

Three months ago the final full-time whistle blew at Feethams, bringing to an end a 120-year era and for Mabel it marked the end of 57 years of watching Quakers at the quaint little ground.

She has been a regular at Darlington matches since 1946 - Quakers' first season in Division Three North - and most fans will recognise her as the lady who sells them a matchday programme from her tiny hut, situated just inside the entrance which features Feethams' very own twin towers.

Through time she became the first port of call for many a supporter making their way past the cricket field to the terraces. And although the beginning of a new dawn at the Reynolds Arena signals a fresh start for the club and its fans, at least some of the traditions which gave Feethams its unique feel are to be maintained as Mabel, alongside her son David, is to continue selling matchday programmes at the 27,500 all-seater ground.

Despite her advanced years Mabel is more than happy to be handing out the programmes although she warns this will be her last year.

She said: "Providing my health is OK I'll do one more season at the new ground. If my knees and legs were as good as my brain I'd be alright," jokes Mabel.

"I was selling the programmes at Feethams for the last 16 or 17 years, but I've always been a fan."

Feethams is where she first took her son David to sample the delights of Darlington. "I love the place," she said. A regular in the East Stand, with David, today she'll become a South Stand season ticket holder.

"Our David is 61 now and I first took him to a match when he was four years old. I haven't missed many matches, even when I was nursing I used to try and get Saturdays off!

"I don't get to the away matches anymore. I used to go, but it's not as easy when you get to 81!

Despite the drastic change of surroundings Mabel is willing to accept the changes and says the new ground is superb.

"George has done very well with the stadium, he's made a good job of it.

"I'll be going, I always buy a season ticket and I've paid £100 for our lad to park the car as well.

"I hope they do well this season, I really do. I'm wishing them luck for Saturday and the rest of the season. I play war with them sometimes, but I'll always stay faithful to them."