A NEW ale inspired by an ancient ecclesiastical North Yorkshire court has been released.

Theakston Masham Four & Twenty is a seasonal beer brewed in honour of 24 local men who, since the 12th Century have sat in judgement in the Court of the Peculier, created and overseen by the church.

One of the Four & Twenty, which now exists as a charitable organisation, is Theakston cooper Jonathan Manby.

Simon Theakston, T&R Theakston Ltd’s executive director, said: “There is usually a story behind the names of our seasonal ales, and this latest creation is no exception.”