THE first organic beer brewed by Arkell's has been awarded a top prize in the West Country Food Awards.

The Swindon brewer prides itself on using only pure natural ingredients in its range of ales. But Bees' Organic is the first time the company has made an organic ale in its 160-year history.

It was awarded a silver medal at the ninth annual West Country Food Awards at the University of Plymouth.

The ale will join other award-winners from the various food and drink classes to be exhibited at the Royal Bath and West Show in Shepton Mallet from May 29 to June 1.

Arkell's head-brewer, Don Bracher, said he was delighted to receive the prize and said the beer has been selling well in local pubs and supermarkets since it was launched nine months ago. He said: "We've always produced 2Bs and 3Bs so we decided to keep with the same theme. People used to brew with honey when they made mead so it's not that unusual."

n To celebrate the Golden Jubilee, Arkell's has created a celebration beer called Jubilee Ale brewed with Golden Promise malt and Goldings hops. It is available in bottled form May 13 and in pubs from June 1.