HE may be only 19 - but already Ashley Thompson has carved himself out a completely unique position in life.

The teenager with a love for woodwork has become the only brewery-employed apprentice craft cooper in the country.

He has been taken on by Masham-based brewers T and R Theakston for a four-year apprenticeship under the tutelage of the company’s existing craft cooper, Jonathan Manby.

Ashley has already worked for with renowned craftsmen at Robert “Mouseman” Thompson’s workshops at Kilburn near Thirsk and has qualifications in carpentry and joinery.

But now he will learn all the intricacies of the ancient craft of coopering, which is being kept alive by Theakston’s – famous for their ever-popular Old Peculier.

“Working with wood, and for a brewery, is my dream job,” said the teenager.

“When I was ten, I saw Jonathan demonstrating his coopering skills at the Great Yorkshire Show. It was a magical experience and one I have never forgotten.”

He added: “When I saw that Theakston’s were advertising for an apprentice craft cooper to work under Jonathan I couldn’t believe my luck and I applied immediately.

“I’m thrilled to have been chosen for the job, even if it is a daunting thought that I am the only brewery-employed apprentice craft cooper in the entire country.

“I’m looking forward to learning the trade from Jonathan and, hopefully, in four-year’s time, becoming a fully-fledged craft cooper.”

The brewery’s executive director Simon Theakston said: “We are very proud to be keeping the traditional art of coopering well and truly alive.

“Ashley joins a long and distinguished line of apprentice craft coopers here at Theakston’s, and he is extremely lucky to be learning from Jonathan Manby, who is an outstanding exponent of the craft.”

Traditionally-brewed British craft ale is becoming more popular every year and the brewery is creating more beers to tempt the taste buds of both existing and new customers alike.

“Each year Jonathan makes hundreds of casks – from four-gallon pins through to 36-gallon barrels,” said Mr Theakston.

“Next year he and Ashley will be making considerably more as we increase production of our classic beers and add new ones to the range.”