Brewing giant Guinness has issued Christmas greetings to Nelson the chimpanzee following the recent Evening Press story about his love of the black stuff.

We reported how staff at Flamingo Land theme park and zoo at Kirby Misperton, near Pickering, had given the 40-year-old chimp his annual Christmas treat - a specially made cake and a bottle of Guinness.

Nelson developed a taste for the famous Dublin brew shortly after he arrived at the zoo in 1961.

The zoo vet, who was treating the chimp for a minor illness, suggested he should have a small drink of Guinness every day to help get him back on his feet.

Since then, Nelson - the zoo's oldest resident - has been allowed a drop of his favourite tipple every Christmas.

Guinness spokesman, Jonathan Miller, said: "What does one say when presented with such a heartwarming festive story other than to wish him well with his Christmas dinner.

"No doubt he will be joining millions of people around the country, who will be enjoying a bottle of Guinness with their turkey... we hope."

Mr Miller said they often heard tales of people who reached 100 years old attributing their longevity to drinking Guinness. "I'm just glad that it extends to chimpanzees as well."

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