PLAYERS and supporters at Darlington Football Club's new stadium are having their thirst quenched by a local mineral water business.

Northumbrian Spring has an established relationship with the club, supplying water over the bar, in the offices, and in the dressing rooms.

Since moving to the Reynolds Arena last month, the Quakers' demand for water has increased, resulting in Northumbrian Spring extending its support and providing extra coolers.

To commemorate the continued association with the club, the Thornaby-based company bought a signed club ball, which they presented to Mary Butterwick, of the Butterwick Hospice, during the first match of the season.

All proceeds from the raffle of the ball will go to the hospice, which is Northumbrian Spring's charity for 2003.

Brenda Kendall, branch manager at the water com-pany, said: "Natural mineral water is becoming more popular with businesses throughout the UK."