Coronation Street star Reece Dinsdale paid a belated visit to Skipton’s new Copper Dragon brewery which he was prevented from officially opening due to filming work.

The 49-year-old actor, who plays Joe McIntyre, in the long running soap, was duely shown round the £4m brewery by head brewer Gordon Wilkinson.

Reece said: “It’s great to finally have a look around and taste the wares.

“I have to say the Copper Dragon range of ales are as distinctive as they are refreshing.

“Watch out Newton and Ridley – there’s a new kid on the block!”

He was shown the new 11,000 square foot brewhouse, visitor centre and bistro. Mr Wilkinson said: “Reece recognises the importance of the hard work and passion that goes into our hand crafted ales.

“We might try and become a guest ale at the most famous pub on TV to help him feel at home.”

Founded in 2002, Copper Dragon is the first brewery to be based in Skipton for over 100 years and supplies cask ales to more than 1,500 pubs across the UK as well as supermarkets and exports to markets including Australia and Russia.