LONG before its completion, Darlington's new multi-million pound football stadium is proving to be one of the region's big tourist attractions.

Hundreds of Quakers fans and the simply curious have driven to the site in Neasham Road to view the state of the progress of the structure.

This week, the stadium-watchers witnessed another step forward in the project, with the start of the installation of the silver and goose-wing grey roof covering.

By the middle of this week, all 1,600 tonnes of the structural steelwork was on site, with more than three-quarters of it already constructed.

Remaining well on schedule, the Quakers' dream arena was moving on at a pace this week, and visibly living up to club chairman George Reynolds' expectations. The wealthy club owner, who saved Darlington from closure under the burden of its massive debts, had always promised fans not the biggest, but the best stadium in the land.

Many sightseers have stared in disbelief as the 25,000-seat stadium takes shape.

The south and north stands are almost complete, and the foundations and lift pits for the four passenger lifts and four escalators have now been installed.

Construction of the concrete elevator shafts are now under construction.

Complicated drainage work is also well under way, with storm water drains at the half-way stage.

The water from the massive roof and the 1475-space car park will drain into a pond which will form the centre piece of a landscaped picnic area.

Work has also begun on the football pitch, with the installation of a complex drainage system.

That will be followed by under pitch heating and an irrigation layer, and the sowing of 400kg of grass seed. A visitors' centre is also reaching completion.

"This will allow fans and interested residents to get an inside glimpse of what is to come, as well as being able to buy football club goods,'' said Mr Reynolds.