NEWCASTLE United are raising a toast after agreeing a multi-million pound drinks deal with beer giant Carling.

The lucrative four-year agreement, which started on July 1, is one of the largest of its type in UK sport, linking the Magpies, one of Europe's biggest football clubs, with number one UK lager Carling.

Darren Venn, Newcastle United's Director of Commercial Affairs, said: "We're delighted to have agreed a deal that brings Carling to St. James' Park.

"This year, Shearer's Bar has been officially voted the best bar in Newcastle, and now fans will be able to drink Britain's favourite lager there.

"Our fans are famously known for having a thirst for football, and those who like to enjoy a pint at St. James' Park are sure to enjoy what's on offer."

Carling - which sells fifty pints every second - will be available at Shearer's Bar and inside St. James' Park along with Coors Light, Grolsch and Worthingtons.

And the news is great for those members of the Toon Army who like a pint before, during or after matchdays at St. James' Park - with new fast-flow technology ensuring drinks will now be poured even faster in Shearer's Bar and around the stadium.

While the name of Newcastle United is known all around the sporting world, Carling already has a long-standing heritage in British football. They previously sponsored the Premiership and have also backed the Carling Cup for four years, as well as Glasgow's Old Firm giants Celtic and Rangers.

Now the partnership with Newcastle United strengthens their links with Tyneside, having already established top music venue the Newcastle Carling Academy in the heart of the city.

Carling Brand Director Martin Coyle said: "The partnership with Newcastle United is an excellent addition to Carling's many links with football; from its sponsorship of the Premiership from 1993 to 2001 and the Carling Cup from 2003 onwards.

"It will help build on the strong links between the city of Newcastle and its people and Carling.

"Carling has a proud history in British football and bringing fans closer to the game so we're naturally looking forward to working with Newcastle United to become an important part of the local community."

The new partnership signals the end of Newcastle United's previous association with Scottish & Newcastle. The club thanks the company for all its past support and extends its best wishes for the future.