TROUBLED Jarrow Brewery has appointed former Vaux director Frank Nicholson as its new chairman.

The South Tyneside firm went into liquidation last week, after claiming funds it had been promised failed to materialise.

A new company has been established and Mr Nicholson is confident he can help turn around fortunes at the River Catcher and Jarrow Bitter maker.

He said “ I am delighted to be taking on the role of chairman of Jarrow Breweries Ltd in what is undoubtedly a challenging, but, equally, an exciting time.

"I am looking forward to working closely with the excellent management team to grow sales and to develop a business model that ensures Jarrow Breweries Ltd becomes a highly respected and profitable North Eastern brewery."

Since the closure of Vaux Breweries in 1999 Mr Nicholson has acted as an advisor, consultant or non executive director for Durham Markets Company, Port of Sunderland, HE Woolley and Matfen Hall Hotel.

Jarrow Brewery was founded in 2002 when publicans Jess and Alison McConnell started brewing at The Robin Hood pub in Jarrow.