A NEW Teesdale brewer has started making his first batch of ale this week.

Danny McColl has ploughed more than £200,000 into his new business - McColl’s Brewery Ltd - after he took over a unit at the Randolph Industrial Estate, in Evenwood, in November.

The 35-year-old is allowed to sell his traditional ales to those on brewery tours.

The former dry stone waller, of Middleton-in-Teesdale, said he has still not had planning permission for the venture but hopes the plans will be approved.

Mr McColl has also been working with his head of sales Ollie Dootson to promote his creations.

Talking about making his own ale he said: “I am like a Cheshire cat, it’s what I love doing. From the cleaning and physical hard work to the analysis and ingredients, I love it all. I am very happy to see all the hard work coming together and with Ollie out on the road all day, every day introducing the brewery to potential outlets we can’t wait to see our beer on bars and shelves across the North-East. I might just stop for a breath someday soon.”