HISTORY enthusiasts have had a beer brewed in their honour.

Darlington-based brewery Mithril Ales created ‘The Quaker’ ale to mark the first meeting of the Darlington as it Looked history group.

The meeting, which took place on Saturday March 16 in The Old Vic pub, was organised so that members of the online group could meet face to face and talk about the rich history of Darlington.

Bernice Smith – member of the group and landlady of The Old Vic – had run a competition on the group’s website to name the ale, after the brewery offered to create one in their honour.

Diane Pickering won the competition after her suggestion of ‘The Quaker’ was voted most popular by members.

Ms Smith said: “It’s ironic as the Quakers didn’t drink alcohol but it celebrates our history. The group is all about Darlington and its history. It is a big Quaker town and that is a heritage to be proud of.

"We are not just about the railways, the Quakers built the town. Our little homage to the Quakers is naming a beer after them. It has been really well received and we sold more than 70 pints in two days.”

The amber ale, which is light in texture and a vegan blend, could soon be on offer as the pub’s house ale. It costs £2.50 a pint and is 3.8 per cent.

The next meeting of the Darlington as it Looked group will be held at the Old Vic on Saturday May 18. Visit facebook.com/groups/darlingtonasitlooked for more details.