Timothy Taylor marks 150 years in the trade

The brewers of a celebrated ale have marked their 150th anniversary by looking forward to the future.

Yorkshire brewers Timothy Taylor - which makes four time Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) champion beer of Britain Landlord - turned 150 this month. The brew was also famously described by Madonna as "the champagne of ales".

To mark the anniversary a variety of parties have been held for shareholders, directors and staff.

Managing director Charles Dent said that despite the many problems facing the industry he remains confident about the future.

"As we enjoy our 150th anniversary celebrations we are also entering one of our most extensive periods of change ever. This includes further development of the tied estate and increasing production capacity at the brewery to ensure the growing demand for our beers is maintained in a proper manner," he said.

"After 150 years the company is in a strong position to face the future with confidence and every member of staff remains committed to ensuring that future generations will continue to enjoy Timothy Taylor's beers, brewed in the traditional way, for many years to come."

Ever since the original Timothy Taylor bought his first pub, the Volunteers in Keighley in 1859, the company has maintained a small tied estate.

Today the brewery owns 29 pubs in West and North Yorkshire as well as across the border in East Lancashire.