TWO North Yorkshire brewing families are putting their competitive rivalry aside to help their town celebrate the arrival of the Tour de France.

Masham-based T&R Theakston Ltd and Black Sheep Brewery have teamed up for the town’s role in the Grand Départ, which passes through Masham on July 5.

More than 20,000 people are expected to line the route and Masham’s “Le Grand Party”will see the breweries set up and stock three bars, selling beers from both dynasties with staff working together for the first time.

T&R Theakston executive director Simon Theakston and Black Sheep Brewery managing director Robert Theakston said: “The Tour is the most significant event ever for Masham and, for the town to make the most of this historic, once-in-a-lifetime sporting spectacle, we are combining forces and working together to ensure it’s the party to end all parties.”