BREWER T&R Theakston has announced plans to increase production capacity at its North Yorkshire brewery.

The development of the brewery, in Masham, is timed to coincide with the move of Theakston Best Bitter production from the Tyne Brewery, in Newcastle, to the John Smiths brewery, in Tadcaster, in the spring.

The development at Masham will provide additional flexibility to take on more of the brewing of other Theakston brands and also to provide additional capacity to cope with demand.

Theakstons, which had been owned by Scottish & Newcastle Breweries since 1987, was sold back to members of the Theakston family a year ago.

Director Simon Theakston said: "We are determined to brew as much of our beer in Masham as is possible.

"Historically, we have always been restricted by the sheer lack of space in the brewery, but by adding additional fermenting capacity, we will have made significant progress towards addressing the problem."

Mr Theakston said the announcement underlined the company's commitment to Masham for the long-term.