Local brewery launches beer named after Newcastle United fan’s ditty

A local brewery has launched a new beer named after a Newcastle United fan's much-loved ditty.

Junior Turner released 'Banks of the River Tyne' exactly a year ago and the song quickly became an anthem for Magpies' fans and, for many, the soundtrack to the club's takeover last year.

To celebrate the track's anniversary, The Red House Micropub in Chopwell has named a new brew after Turner's song.

The pub launched the drink, which was brewed with the help of Allendale Brewery, at an event on Sunday - just six days before Newcastle United return to Premier League action.

The 5% pilsner is now available behind the bar at the pub.

Reflecting on the success of 'Banks of the River Tyne' over the past 12 months, Junior Turner admitted he is still humbled today by the wide reach of the song.

He said: "It’s been somewhat of a whirlwind year. Never did I envisage everything that has come my way as a result of the song.

"From playing in front of die-hard Newcastle fans and barely being able to hear the music for them singing it back to me to performing alongside idols such as Kevin Keegan and Peter Beardsley- even seeing merchandise being worn globally including on Mount Everest camp base by good friends Mea & Rachel.

"Hearing it playing at a majority of home games at St James Park and people stopping me to talk about the song frequently is just amazing and still now it continues daily to surprise me in one way or another."