A VICAR has pulled the first pint of an ale created to raise money to save a stained glass window.

Christopher Wray, rector of All Saint's Church, in Knaresborough, near Harrogate, wants to get the church's east window repaired.

His plight was overheard by Steve Wharton, landlord of the Royal Oak pub, in Staveley, near Knaresborough, who contacted Rudgate Brewery.

The brewery created Angel Ale and will donate 25p from the sale of every pint to the appeal.

Artist Celia Kilner is lending the fundraisers 59 life-size painted angels to be exhibited at the church until August 1. Companies, organisations and individuals are being asked to sponsor them for £100.

The angels will be blessed by the Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, on Thursday, at 7.30pm.

Church spokesman David Wharton said: "The launch went well. Reverend Wray pulled the first pint, consumed it and toasted the angels for their help."

The east window was created in 1874 by Jeane-Baptist Capronnier, the famous Belgian stained glass painter, ten years after the church was built. It cost £1,650 19s 2d. In the past two years, £22,000 has been spent on repairs.