TIMOTHY Taylor's has appointed Jonathan Barnes (pictured) to oversee beer sales in North Yorkshire, the North East, Cumbria and Scotland.

Mr Barnes has extensive sales experience in the drinks industry having started his career with wholesalers Yates Brothers and LWC, then going on to spend 15 years with continental brewer Budweiser Budvar.

He said: “From a young age I always wanted to follow in my father’s footsteps.

“He qualified as a cooper at Joshua Tetley before becoming Free Trade sales director of John Smith’s and then owning a small chain of pubs.

“So the trade is very much in my blood and hHe would be very proud to know I’ve joined Timothy Taylor’s.”