A POPULAR beer brewed in Masham has been released in bottle for the very first time as a limited edition.

Black Sheep Brewery launched its iconic Black Sheep Best Bitter in a 5,000-bottle run, which is available exclusively from its online store and its local ‘Brew to Ewe’ delivery service.

First brewed in 1992, Black Sheep Best Bitter has become one of the UK’s best-selling session cask ales.

However, this is the first time in almost 30-years that the 3.8% ABV beer will be available in a bottle.

Charlene Lyons, chief executive of Black Sheep Brewery, said: “We hope the reopening of pubs is on the near horizon, but in the meantime, we know that the taste of Black Sheep Best Bitter is being missed by many people.

"So, while they can’t enjoy a hand-pulled pint at the moment, they can pour themselves a bottle of our iconic Black Sheep Best Bitter from the comfort of their own home.”