Darlington football supporters can toast the end of an era for the Quakers with a special ale.

The local branch of the Campaign for Real Ale and Darlington Supporters' Trust kicked off the Spring Thing folk music and beer festival at Darlington Arts Centre yesterday with Feethams Farewell, a new beer commissioned from Darwin Brewery.

The idea for the special brew, to mark the Quakers' planned move from Feethams after 120 years, came from the trust.

"More than a few fans will be raising a glass to the old ground and so we thought, what's better than our own beer?" said Peter Ashmore, chairman of the trust.

"We hope Feethams Farewell will be a little like the stadium - full of character and something to remember after it's gone."

The trust has been at the forefront of commemorating Feethams, ahead of the club's move to a new stadium in Neasham Road.

The trust's Farewell to Feethams photographic and memorabilia exhibition was held at the arts centre - venue for the festival - last year. It is currently at the Green Dragon Museum, Stockton, until May 10.

An image from the show will be used on the pump badges for local pubs taking the beer. The trust is also involved in helping with a finale planned for Feethams' last match on May 3.

Darlington Camra chairman, Ian Jackson, said: "We are pleased to be able to bring the trust and Darwin Brewery together for this tasty project and to launch the results at our festival. I'm sure it will be a winner with Darlington beer drinkers."

Keith Thomas of Sunderland-based Darwin Brewery said Feethams Farewell, which has a strength of 3.8pc, was in the style of a "steam" beer: "It is a bright, hoppy beer with a snappy carbonation and lingering bitterness. It is made using pale malt with a touch of crystal for a light tang and with Northern Brewer and Cascade hops, fermented with a Californian yeast.

"The 'steam' designation refers to the casks being lively after delivery and 'steaming' on opening."

Feethams Farewell ale will be available in limited quantities in selected local real ale pubs after the beer festival. A commemorative bottled version is also planned. .

l Festival preview: page 12.