THE outgoing Bishop of Durham is giving away 500 bottles of his own 'Bishops Brew' ale so that clerics around the county can raise a glass to his retirement.

He has also signed and numbered ten of the specially designed labels carrying his own coat of arms so that the bottles can be sold to raise money for Lesotho in Africa.

The Bishop, the Rt Rev Michael Turnbull, said:"I understand that some beer labels can be much sought after so I wouldn't be surprised if these don't become something of collectors' items."

Mike Berriman, sales and marketing director for Hartlepool brewers Camerons, said: "This must be the only beer we've ever produced that will not go on public sale, yet it is probably the most prestigious we've made."