An ale tribute to cricket legend Fred Trueman

Due for launch early in 2010 to coincide with the unveiling of a bronze statue of the cricketing legend in the town, the beer is being developed ahead of a launch early in 2010.

The first 200 bottles of the beer will be individually signed and numbered by head brewer, Gordon Wilkinson and made exclusively available to guests attending a gala dinner next March in aid of the Freddie Trueman statue appeal, created and supported by train operator Northern Rail.

Freddie's wife Veronica Trueman said: "Fred would be overjoyed that a real Yorkshire brewer is behind this. He loved his cricket and his beer as well as the wonderful scenery in this part of North Yorkshire where he lived out his final years."

'Fiery Fred', as he was affectionately nicknamed, was regarded as one of the finest fast bowlers in history and was the first Englishman to take 300 Test wickets.

Established in 2002, Copper Dragon supplies its hand crafted Best Bitter, Golden Pippin, Scots 1816, Challenger IPA and Black Gold cask ales to over 2,000 pubs across the UK.