The Wychwood Brewery, Witney, hosted the UK launch of the new Woodsman model from Royal Enfield motorcycles.

Royal Enfields, first produced in Britain in 1901, have been made in India since 1955, but remain popular in the UK and their importer's public relations agency is based in Witney.

Although powered by a new electronically fuel-injected engine, the Woodsman will look familiar to riders who remember Royal Enfields from the 1950s and 1960s.

Ben Matthews, of Royal Enfield UK, said: “We felt Wychwood's traditional brewing techniques reflected the heritage of our classic British designs and the journalists we invited were all keen to visit the home of Hobgoblin ale.”

Local motorcyclist Mark McArthur-Christie, of Bampton, was given a sneak preview of the Woodsman before the press left to ride on the roads around the Wychwood forest.

Mr McArthur-Christie said: “I've always liked classic British bikes — they've more soul and character than machines built in the 21st century.

“The new Woodsman manages to combine character with real everyday rideability, and still manages to put a huge grin on your face. Like real ale, it has a timeless appeal that seems to fit in with the environment in Oxfordshire.”