A PROFESSIONAL baker advised by a relative to put a famous tipple in her cakes has seen her creation stocked in the brewery's own visitor centre.

The Black Sheep Brewery in North Yorkshire has started stocking the cakes created by Jo Williams in its bistro.

Mrs Williams gave up her career as a training manager to start her business Cupcake Dreams in her farmhouse kitchen in Hunton, North Yorkshire, earlier this year.

She started using Black Sheep Ale after a suggestion by her father-in-law and the cakes quickly became a best seller at country shows.

After being recommended by staff at the brewery the Masham business is now stocking the cakes itself.

Mrs Williams said: "My father-in-law is an avid Black Sheep Ale fan and challenged me to make a cupcake with it, always one to rise to a challenge I set about devising a recipe.

"It seemed natural to use Black Sheep Ale as it not only has a fantastic taste but it is also a quality local product."

She added: "I've always wanted to work for myself and earlier this year I found an opportunity to take advantage of this.

"The cupcake business idea happened after a friend had a really bad day, so I made her some cupcakes to cheer her up.

"She enjoyed them so much she told me I should go into business and it began from there."

Helen Allison, Marketing Manager at the Black Sheep Brewery, said: "I was a little sceptical when Jo told me that she had made cupcakes using Black Sheep Ale, however they are lovely and really tasty.

"The beer gives a fantastic aftertaste which works perfectly with the sweetness of the cake.

"Our staff all thoroughly enjoyed Jo's Black Sheep Ale cupcakes, so much so that they are now available in the Black Sheep Bistro."