Black Sheep Brewery would have ceased to exist if a controversial sale of the business which left shareholders empty-handed and is due to cost creditors and taxpayers millions had not gone through, the firm's new boss has told The Yorkshire Post.

Mark Williams, CEO of Keystone Brewing Group, said that while he was "sympathetic" to shareholders and creditors who have lost money as a result of the pre-pack administration deal which took the Masham-based brewer into private ownership last year, it was the only option on the table to save the business.

He said: "At the time the only other outcome was to close the business."

Buy the Yorkshire Post this Saturday to read the exclusive interview with Mr Williams.