A BREWERY has developed a new ale to mark the company returning to the ownership of its founding family.

Masham-based brewer T&R Theakston has brewed bottle-fermented Celebration Ale using pale malt and traditional Golding English hops.

Members of the Theakston family and staff helped brew, bottle, label, number and package Celebration Ale by hand at the Theakston Brewery.

Only 1,500 bottles of the ale have been brewed, which will be given to members of staff and friends of the brewery.

The company was bought by the heirs of the founder, Robert Theakston, last year after 20 years under the control of Scottish-Courage.

His great-great-grandson, Simon Theakston, said: "As a family, we felt it was very important to mark this very special moment in Theakston's history - and what better way than by brewing up a unique and special ale to celebrate the event?