THREE real ale lovers have taken over two North-East micro breweries and one of the oldest pubs on Wearside.

Businessmen Jeff Hind and John Walters have teamed up with publican and brewer John Taylor, to launch Bull Lane Brewery, at The Clarendon, in Hendon, Sunderland.

The trio has also bought the Grey Horse, in Consett, County Durham, which has its own micro brewery, making a total investment of several hundred thousand pounds.

Mr Taylor, 46, who also runs the Sun Inn, at Beamish Museum, said the three outlets would give his real ales an instant market.

"The hardest part of starting a new brewery is finding outlets you can trust," he said.

"Brewing for our own outlets gives us a guaranteed product right down the line to the customer."

Mr Taylor ran the Travellers Rest in Claypath, Durham, before opening the popular Beamish Mary at Beamish, near Stanley.

The Clarendon, on the bank of the Wear, dates to 1753. It was originally called the Hare and Hounds.

Mr Hind said: "In those days, it would have been bustling with sailors coming in and out of port, and it is fantastic to see the city once again coming alive as new visitors and investors come into the area. We feel really proud to be part of the regeneration of the area and help preserve a little piece of Sunderland's history."

The brewery, in the pub's cellar, will produce 66 gallons of real ale a week, including Bull Lane Bitter, Red Rag and Stampede.

Once established, the directors plan to run brewery tours.