NEWCASTLE Breweries has signed a new £1m, three-year sponsorship deal with the Magpies.

The blue star company, former main sponsors of Newcastle United for 20-years, underlined their commitment to the club in an announcement made at the redeveloped St James' Park.

The new deal includes:

l A new status for Newcastle Breweries as founder sponsor.

l Supplying all the breweries products to all banqueting, hospitality, conference and bar area.

l Renaming the former Exhibition Stand to the Newcastle Brown Stand.

l The development of a Newcastle Breweries player of the year award, to be judged by United fans.

l Two corporate hospitality boxes within the new development.

John Sarginson, Newcastle Breweries managing director, said: "We were always keen to retain some involvement with the club and I am delighted we have reached agreement with a deal which allows us to showcase our brands in the superb new facilities, as well as build on Newcastle Brown's well known association with the club."

He added: "It's great news that we can also involve fans at the end of the season in a new move to vote for their choice of United player of the year."

David Stonehouse, chief executive of Newcastle United, said: "While this announcement represents a new era for both organisations, I'm delighted this famous relationship remains as solid as ever.

"Both club and brewery are an integral part of the local community and I've no doubt fans will be as delighted as we are that our partnership is set to continue in the future."