A NORTH Yorkshire brewery which recently returned to the founding family's ownership has marked the event by brewing a Celebration Ale.

T & R Theakston of Masham has brewed only 1,500 bottles of the bottle-fermented beer with 6pc alcohol by volume (ABV).

It is the culmination of several months' hard work by the family who, with staff, helped brew, bottle, label, number and package the ale by hand.

It has been brewed using choicest pale malt and traditional golding English hops and will continue to gain condition in the bottle over the months ahead, developing a complex, smooth and unique flavour.

Theakston - best known for its Old Peculier ale - was acquired by the heirs of the original founder last year after 20 years under the control of Scottish-Courage.

Simon Theakston, great-great-grandson of the founder, Robert Theakston, said: "As a family we felt it was very important to mark this very special moment in Theakston's history.

"Celebration Ale is truly unique as it is the first time in living memory that a bottle-fermented ale has been brewed here at Theakston's. We have brewed only 1,500 bottles, which will be given to staff and friends of the brewery in the Masham area."

Mr Theakston is joined by his brothers, Nick, Tim and Edward, on the board of the new company. Collin Wood, a former managing director of Theakston, has joined them.

The company, which brewsBest Bitter, XB, Old Peculier, Mild and Black Bull Bitter as well as the recently-introduced Cool Cask ale, employs 20 in Masham. It is one of the few brewers in the country still to employ a cooper.

The brewery also has a visitor centre.