A LEGEND at Darlington Football Club is finally calling it a day - at the grand old age of 83.

Mabel Neil, a lifelong Quakers fan, is giving up her job as a programme seller after more than 20 years.

She sold her last programme at the club's game against Notts County on Friday night, but will continue to watch matches at the Darlington Football Stadium, where she has a season ticket.

Mrs Neil sold programmes in a hut at the club's former Feethams ground, and has been a regular at the new stadium since it opened in 2003, selling programmes from just inside the shop entrance.

She and son David, 63, also a matchday programme seller, have gone regularly to matches for more than 60 years.

Former nurse Mrs Neil is now looking forward to a season of watching from the stands.

"I'll bet I'm the oldest programme seller in the league, but I'm nearly 84 now, I've done it for long enough," she said.

"It's been such a good thing to do. If you're nice to people, it really pays off. Everything I've done, whether it be nursing or selling programmes, I've put my heart and soul into it.

"I've been amazed how many people know me - on Friday night, I got a china mug as a present, and another chap brought me a box of chocolates and a card.

"I've always enjoyed doing it. At Feethams, it was really lovely. I had a nice little hut where people came in, and you really got to know everyone.

"But now, I'm looking forward to seeing the matches from the start, because when you're selling programmes, often you don't get in until 20 minutes after kick-off.

"And I'll always keep going to watch them - I'm hoping we'll do really well this season.