IT'S a beer-lovers festive delight - coopers at a leading brewery have branched out to create Christmas trees from salvaged oak casks.

Cooper Jonathan Manby and his apprentice Euan Findlay’s 5ft-high Christmas trees were the result of a festive challenge to the pair, who work for Masham-based T and R Theakston.

Marketing manager Victoria Bramley asked them to get creative with old barrels and the result means the pair, and in particular Euan, can hone their wood working skills and benefit the environment by using staves from the discarded casks.

The trees have been made in the brewery's own cooperage, and are available to buy from the Theakston Black Bull in Paradise Gift Shop in Masham, for £60.

Victoria said: “Two years ago, Jonathan and Euan made a small number of Christmas trees from old beer casks, which I decorated and stood in the entrance to our visitor centre.

“This year, I set the pair the task of creating something seasonal that would appeal to beer lovers looking for a unique Christmas gift.

“I think they have certainly risen to the challenge and these Christmas trees, made from old barrels, are fantastic. And, because they are made from seasoned wood, they can be displayed either inside or outside.

"When it comes to working with wood, Jonathan and Euan are incredibly versatile."