A YORK-based distillery has launched a "Founders' Club" to help raise investment to fire up the stills and get the whisky flowing later this year.

Cooper King Distillery - set up by a former scientist and architect - is planned as one of only a few English distilleries to mash, ferment, distil, age and bottle the single malt whisky all under one roof.

Founders Abbie Neilson and Chris Jaume were inspired by the ingenuity and determination of the Tasmanian whisky distillers, and plan to make whisky and gin in a converted stable block at Sutton on the Forest.

They have now launched their Founders' Club, with memberships starting from £30, to raise the capital they need to get going.

Benefits include the chance to own highly collectable Inaugural Release whisky from cask #001, limited edition individually-numbered bottles of Founders’ Gin, and exclusive access to new small-batch releases ahead of the general public.

Chris said: "We make spirits for those who value craftsmanship, honesty and adventure. This is your chance to support us and join in the adventure from the very beginning."