Malton Museum has brewed up a great gift idea: beers for souvenirs.

There is evidence, curator Frank Wiggle insists, that the Romans were brewing their own ale when in Malton.

That has given the museum the perfect excuse to team up with a town brewery to sell branded beer on the premises.

No doubt Mr Wiggle's tipple will be a great success. But it would be best if the Roman theme was left at that. We are not sure if Malton is ready to welcome back communal bathing and orgies.

Updated: 11:28 Tuesday, May 04, 2004