HALF-a-century of conservation work is being celebrated in liquid form - with the launch of a beer.

The North York Moors National Park is celebrating its 50th anniversary and has teamed up with Cropton Brewery for a party flavour.

Anniversary Yorkshire Moors Ale will be promoted nationally and has already won the support of bearded actor and adventurer Brian Blessed.

He has sampled the brew and sent his support from London, where he is starring in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, on the West End stage.

"After the trials and tribulations of foot-and-mouth, this beer will help get everyone back on their feet," he said.

The chief executive of the park, Andy Wilson, said yesterday that the new brew symbolised the link between the landscape and the products it produced.

"This is just one example of our work to promote local products and encourage local businesses," he said.

The beer is a dark, smooth and full-bodied, with a ruby tinge and a fruity aftertaste. It is 4.6 per cent ABV.

Brewery manager Phil Lee said: "Its character reflects that of the rugged but beautiful local landscape - and we hope people from everywhere will help us celebrate the park's 50th year by raising a glass of the anniversary ale."

A 50th anniversary party will be held at the New Inn, Cropton, on Wednesday, at 7.30pm, when people will have a chance to sample the ale.