A NEW group has been set in a Skipton, celebrating the delights of Beaujolais wine.

Local man John O'Garra, who lived in the French wine growing village of Lantignie until 2013, has set up a Skipton branch of the French organisation The Ordre des Compagnons du Beaujolais.

It was created in 1948 to promote the wines of the Beaujolais region of France and honour its festivities, customs and traditions.

And, tonight, four local personalities from the world of catering and hospitality will be inducted as Maître Compagnons, building on local and national interest following the successful Tour de France last year.

The four are Jacqueline Sugden, owner of the Wine Shop in Grassington, Didier Da Costa, general manager of the Grassington House Hotel, Simon Farrimond, food and beverages manager of the Coniston Hotel, Coniston Cold, and

French-born Luc Daguzan, of Skipton's Bistro des Amis.

They will have to swear to abide by the Oath, have impeccable wine-drinking manners and honour the wines of Beaujolais, its traditions and heritage.

The colourful ceremony - at the Bistro des Amis - will be conducted by robed Maître Compagnons from Villefranche-sur- Saone, including international president Paul Fourrichon and vice-president Jean-Paul Rampon.

Mr O'Garra, who was inducted as Compagnon in Beaujeu, the ancient capital of Beaujolais, in 2013, said: "The Compagnons aim to share their love of Beaujolais with a broad audience - in the liveliest fashion possible. The Compagnons will host activities appropriate for all kinds of 'bon vivants'.

"The Compagnons continue a tradition that is tremendously popular in France, namely, making themselves available for private events during which, dressed in full regalia, they ceremonially induct new members to the order. This are a particularly unusual way to celebrate a special occasion such as the birthday or retirement of a wine lover. "

Mr O'Garra lived for ten years in the heart of the Beaujolais region, learning about life in a village dominated by vines and the production of wine.

He said: "I enjoyed the traditional conviviality of Beaujolais, the love of a good wine, a fine table and that rare ambiance which is the hallmark of Beaujolais.

"I left France with sadness and reluctance but filled with a strong sense of purpose and ambition - to share the customs and values with a wider group of English people unfamiliar with the 'hidden Beaujolais'."

For more information, email johnogarra@orange.fr