A LOCAL brewery is launching a new beer to celebrate the fact that it is almost 30 years since Glenn McCrory became the very first person from the region to hold a boxing world title.

Labelled Our Hero, the 3.8 per cent traditional English pale ale will be launched by Consett Ale Works at The Grey Horse pub, in Sherburn Terrace, Consett with a talk by McCrory at 7.30pm on Monday, April 8.

The boxer's historical feat took place on June 3, 1989, when he landed the Cruiserweight title at the Louisa Centre in Stanley, in front of 1,500 spectators and a live, international television audience.

With him at the launch was North East playwright Ed Waugh, who has has written Carrying David, a one-man comedy-drama outlining McCrory's dramatic rise and the role the boxer's terminally-ill brother David played in that historical feat. Carrying David will tour the region in May and June.

David Wilkinson of the award-winning Consett Ale Works, said: “Glenn is a sporting superstar hailing from north-west Durham, so it was a no-brainer to celebrate his brilliant achievement to link in with the 30th anniversary of his victory and Carrying David.

“Here at Consett Ale Works we brew beers to celebrate the region’s industrial heritage of shipbuilding, coal and steelmaking which have forged the backbone of our proud northern landscape. Glenn is a product of that wonderful heritage. His father was a Consett steel worker and his four uncles were miners in local pits."”

Glenn said: “I joined Consett Sports Centre boxing club aged 12 and my amateur boxing debut took place on October 6, 1979, in Witton Gilbert working men’s club - a fortnight after my 15th birthday. Great memories.

“I trained in Consett for the world title fight - running the Consett Moors every day with my wonderful trainer Alan Walker who still lives in Castleside. I even ran a pub there.

“I’m delighted Consett Ale Works are brewing a beer to commemorate the world title. It’s a canny pint, as well.”

Our Hero, available in cask and bottles, is on sale at the Grey Horse, in Consett, and will be rolled out to pubs and outlets throughout the region.

A limited number of tickets, costing £5, are available for the official launch of Our Hero at The Grey Horse or contact Mr Wilkinson on 01207-502585.