A TREASURE hunt has been launched by a North Yorkshire brewery using the labels of nine new canned beers.

Brass Castle Brewery in Malton has researched legends and myths from Yorkshire folklore through the centuries for its new 'Bigger Picture' project.

It will revive the stories through the beers' labels, which can be pieced together to form a fantasy map of Yorkshire, giving clues to a final treasure spot, where the winner will find 'solid, genuine gold.'

The first beer's label features the Slingsby Serpent, said to have lived in a recess near the village.

In 1619, the antiquary Roger Dodsworth recounted the story of the serpent, It was said the villagers re-routed the road to avoid its lair, before it was slain by a member of the local Wyville family.

Phil Saltonstall, owner and founder of Brass Castle Brewery, the country’s foremost producer of vegan and gluten-free craft beer, said: “The team came up with the idea of a number of labels that could be combined into a bigger picture.

"I’m a big map fan so it struck me that a treasure map idea would be fun. Because the map builds over nine labels, it’s easier to hide clues that only really come together once all the labels are combined.

“Once I’d begun to think of treasure maps, we started to think of sea monsters and other legendary creatures that cartographers often imagined into their work, and I was absolutely delighted to realise that Yorkshire folklore is awash with legends and mythical creatures that we could recall within this.

“It has been fascinating to research all the stories and we are also pleased to place Malton prominently within the map, characterised by a Brass Castle.

“The clues hidden in the label designs all point to one staffed location, and staff there know they are the finishing point.

"The first person to approach the staff there with the combined clues will receive the treasure, which – in keeping with a treasure map – is solid, genuine gold.

"They can do as they wish with that, or we can donate it to charity on their behalf – it’s entirely up to them. Subsequent claimants will receive a smaller token award.”

The artwork for the labels has been created by Leeds-based Claudia Bowler.

Sir Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “What a fantastic initiative led by the award-winning Brass Castle Brewery, incorporating Yorkshire folklore with Yorkshire beer!

"Yorkshire pubs are known for being the heart of a community, so I’m certain that this project will add a unique new dimension to conversation over a beer! I’m looking forward to visiting Malton to find one for myself.”