LOCKDOWN has proved a challenging time for many hospitality businesses, but one Dales brewery has reaped some benefits.

The Masham-based Black Sheep Brewery experienced its most successful November for online sales, which were 542 per cent up on the same month in 2019.

With pubs, bars and restaurants closed throughout the November lockdown, customers turned to online ordering to get their beer.

Black Sheep Brewery received 3,176 orders in November, up from 494 orders a year before.

The firm's e-commerce team and staff across the brewery worked together to meet demand from customers for products ranging from bottled beers, mini-kegs, gift packs, hampers and its beer advent calendar.

The brewery has also continued to offer alternative ways to enjoy its products, including its highly popular ‘Brew to Ewe’ local beer delivery service.

Charlene Lyons, chief executive, praised the 'true Yorkshire grit' shown by staff who dealt with the huge increase in orders.