THE veteran chairman of the board of Timothy Taylor's Brewery will retire from his post next month.

Charles Dent will be stepping down as chairman at the Keighley firm's annual meeting on December 15, after 37 years on the board.

He first joined in 1980 as a non-executive, with his father-in-law, Sir John Taylor – later Lord Ingrow – as managing director and chairman.

Mr Dent then joined to work full time in 1992 taking over as managing director in 1995, then becoming chairman in 2014 with the appointment of Tim Dewey as chief executive.

In Mr Dent's letter to shareholders, informing them of his decision to step down, he says: "I have been enormously privileged to work at Timothy Taylor’s.

"Whatever has been achieved has only been possible with the support of all the very special members of this company and its products, together with our loyal customers and suppliers."

A spokesman for the brewery said: "In recognition of Charles' service he will be given the title of 'Hon President' and will continue to assist the company as needed.

"A celebration dinner for Charles was held by the board at Rudding Park in Harrogate, on Tuesday, November 21, and a company retirement party will be held in Keighley on December 15.

"The Landlord will definitely be flowing in honour of such a great career!"

As a result of Mr Dent's retirement, the board has now unanimously appointed Tim Clarke, who is the senior independent director (SID), as chairman with Mike Bramley to take on the role of SID.

Mr Clarke has been a director of Timothy Taylor’s since 2010, and SID since 2014.

He has an extensive background in business, having most recently being appointed as chairman of Birmingham Airport.

He is also a non-executive director of Hall and Woodhouse, brewers & pub operators, which is based in Dorset.

Mr Bramley has been a director of Timothy Taylor’s since 2012 and is a trustee of the firm's pension fund.

He was previously managing director of Mitchells & Butlers and is chairman of their pension fund.