DECADES of legendary rivalry between two family breweries will be buried as they come together in a moment of “entente cordiale” ahead of the Tour de France.

The Black Sheep and T & R Theakston breweries are situated a few hundred yards from each other in the small town of Masham in the Yorkshire Dales, but the gulf that exists between them has slipped into beer brewing folklore.

Paul Theakston broke away from the family business more than 20 years ago, over a takeover of the family firm T & R Theakston by Scottish and Newcastle.

The decision caused a family rift which spilled into the High Court.

An old malting became available in Masham, which had once been part of Lightfoot’s Brewery, which Paul’s grandfather had purchased in 1919.

When Scottish and Newcastle registered the Lightfoot’s name – dashing his hopes of reviving the beer – Paul Theakston decided to name it the Black Sheep brewery.

But the arrival of the Tour de France in Masham on July 5 – where the Theakston family can be traced back to 1540 in the local parish register – has prompted them to put all rivalry behind them.

The two breweries will combine forces to help the market town celebrate the once-in-a-lifetime event as the Grand Depart passes through Masham on Saturday, July 5.

The town will be throwing a Le Grand Party, with activities and entertainment planned throughout the day as people wait for the cyclists to arrive and watch the race on big screens in the town.

For the first time ever, the breweries’ staff will work side-by-side as Theakston, which is now back in ownership of the Theakston family, and Black Sheep set up and stock three bars for the weekend, selling beers from both dynasties as people wait for the cyclists to arrive.

In a joint statement, T&R Theakston Ltd executive director Simon Theakston and Black Sheep Brewery managing director Robert Theakston, Paul’s son, said: “The Tour de France is the most significant event ever for Masham and in order for the town to make the most of this historic, once-in-a-lifetime sporting spectacle, we are combining forces.

“To coin a phrase from the French, this is very much a case of ‘entente cordiale’, and, in the spirit of co-operation, we will be working together to ensure Masham’s Le Grand Party is the party to end all parties.

“This is a 50/50 partnership and for the first time ever our staff will be working side by side. We are very much looking forward to the Grand Depart and thank the organisers for bringing it to Masham.”