A SMALL North-East firm has the opposition licked after launching a Newcastle Brown Ale ice cream.

Neill and Jackie Maxwell started their ice cream sideline because they were struggling to make ends meet on their dairy farm.

Sales of the couple's Doddington brand have rocketed.

Now, brewer Scottish Courage has given them the rights to the famous tipple - known to drinkers as "dog" - for the next six months.

The special edition ice cream was launched at a tasting at Fenwick's department store in Newcastle yesterday.

Mrs Maxwell said: "We were looking for an ice cream flavour that was distinctive and had a strong identity with the region, and Newcastle Brown has all of that."

Mr Maxwell said: "It's been a fantastic challenge working on a product with one of the world's most famous brands.

"Every part of the process has been a joy - from the design of the cartons, through to testing the ale syrup for just the right flavour."

Sharon Annette, of Scottish Courage, said: "Doddington Dairy is an award-winning North-East company, and Newcastle Brown is an award-winning North-East beer. It's a perfect partnership."

The Maxwell family have been farming at Doddington, near Wooler, Northumberland, for five years. They milk more than 250 cows each day and only use their own cows' milk in their ice cream.

Doddington Dairy Ice Cream was launched in August 2000 after Mr and Mrs Maxwell decided to diversify due to problems facing the farming industry.