FORMER policeman Mick Gains is the toast of the town in his new job - so a new local brew has been named after him.

After a 33-year career in the force he became town centre manager for Malton in July and now plays a vital role in local life.

The local brewery is launching its annual four-day winter beer festival today by calling its latest beer Town Centre Manager's Ale.

Malton Brewery, at the rear of the Crown Hotel, has long been a feature of the main Wheelgate shopping street in Malton and is the last remaining brewery in the town.

In the early 18th Century there were nine small unlicensed breweries in the area between Yorkersgate and the river alone, with names including Griffin, Albion, Derwent, Crystal and The Old Brewery.

The Crown was erected in 1827 as the Ship Inn and was changed to the Crown in 1860. It was taken over by the Suddaby family in 1878 and has remained in their hands ever since.

Landlord Neil Suddaby said: "We have a long tradition of brewing and our operation is now well known throughout the country. This year we thought it would be a nice gesture to reward all the hard work Mick has done in promoting the town and co-ordinating the Christmas Extravaganza by creating a Town Manager's Ale."

The new beer is an old-fashioned English ale and Mick was delighted with the tribute. He said: "This is a really nice gesture. I enjoy the occasional pint at the Crown, not only because of its excellent beer but also because it is such a really interesting and hospitable place. It provides an opportunity to really get to know what's going on in the town and what people think. The regulars are a real cross-section of the local community."