A cry of 'order, order!' went up as MP Ian Cawsey (left) spotted the Old Mill Bitter and darted across the other side of the bar to start pulling pints for fellow members!

Mr Cawsey said: "Everyone locally knows about the Old Mill Brewery and the quality of its beer, but this was a chance to showcase it to people from right around the world, as a week in the Strangers' Bar is always busy with MPs from all over the country and any number of international guests.

"I was able to persuade a number of my colleagues to give it a try. They all seemed happy to do so, as long as I paid! But it was worth it to promote one of our great local products, and it was a big hit among all those who tried it."

An Old Mill Brewery spokesman said: "It was very well received and it went down very well with the MPs, and we're delighted with that reception."

The ale last enjoyed the spotlight when it was served at an MEPs' reception organised by the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group – of which Selby MP John Grogan is a member – at Brussels in December.