There's a real "ale storm" brewing over production of Newcastle Brown Ale being switched from Tyneside to Yorkshire.

Bosses at Scottish and Newcastle Breweries have announced that "Broon" will now be brewed at the John Smith's Brewery at Tadcaster.

The switch has been described as an "appalling state of affairs" by unions officials and the reaction on news websites suggests the move will be very controversial.

In the most difficult economic times, all companies are having to take hard decisions to survive.

But Brown Ale is an iconic brand here in the North-East and it's sad to see it leaving the region entirely.