CHARLES Dent has officially stepped down as the managing director of Timothy Taylor’s brewery after 22 years in the role.

He has been succeeded by Tim Dewey who took over as chief executive of the company, based at the Knowle Spring, Keighley.

Mr Dent has now taken over as non-executive chairman from Nigel Bankes, who retired at the company’s annual general meeting.

Mr Dent joined the company full time in 1992 and, following the retirement of his father-in-law, Lord Ingrow, in 1995, has overseen a period of success with sales of its beers more than doubling from 26,000 barrels in 1990 to nearly 60,000 today.

During his spell in charge, Landlord, the brewery’s flagship beer, has become established as a national brand and remains the industry’s biggest single award winner.

Mr Dewey said: “Timothy Taylor owes Charles Dent a huge debt of gratitude.

“Through his commitment Taylor’s has gone from strength to strength.”