Plans to convert a former brewery in the north-east into a conference and events centre have been unveiled. At present, the building, which is owned by Theakstons and located close to the White Bear in Masham, North Yorkshire, lies derelict, but new funding support from the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) means that the region looks set to have a new conference venue in operation before the end of the summer.

The venue will also boast 13 guest hotel rooms, a penthouse suite and a residents' lounge alongside the function room and the two meeting rooms. Commenting on the development, Simon Theakston, managing director of the brewery firm, said: "Theakstons has been established for many years and we are proud of its rich heritage. "The new hotel premises at White Bear will fit well with the company's hospitality vision, and the location is perfect for the flourishing tourist trade. We are grateful for the backing and support from RBS on this project." The news comes just days after a new conference and training centre, which houses a number of classic cars as well as up-to-date facilities, was opened in the Yorkshire city of Bradford, by racing legend Sir Stirling Moss.

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