A SPECIAL beer has been produced to mark this summer’s York800 celebrations.

York Brewery has created the limited edition ale to mark the anniversary of King John allowing the city to govern itself.

The one-off beer, Royal Charter, was named by Micklegate resident Martyn Cawood, who invited the Queen to tour York Brewery on her visit to the city this April.

Mr Cawood said: “I came up with three ideas – 1212, but that had been done by another brewery. King John, who came up with the Royal Charter in 1212 and Royal Charter. I haven’t had a sample yet, so it’s a bit of a mystery for me, but it should be ready by today.

“I think the brewery should celebrating the city, and since it’s the anniversary of the city charter, it makes sense. If I hadn’t done it, someone else would have.”

Andrew Barker, sales and marketing director of York Brewery, said: “This is a fantastic new ale which is bursting with flavour and will hopefully prove popular with our customers over the Charter Weekend. It’s a great way to get involved in the celebrations.”

This beer is limited to 20 brewers’ barrels, about 5,000 pints, and will be available in the brewery bar in Toft Green and in the firm’s own pubs: The Last Drop Inn, The Three Legged Mare, and the Yorkshire Terrier.