A SOUTH Shropshire brewery has good cause to pull pints in celebration.

Hobsons Brewery took home a silver in the Cask Premium pale ales category, a bronze in Cask Dark British Beers and was the runner up in overall keg beers at the recent SIBA National Independent Beer Awards, region Wales and West.

Simcoe Chinook delivered a silver in the Cask Premium Pale Ale’s category.

This dark refreshing ale blends American Simcoe and UK Chinook hops, creating a high IPA level of hopping and a toasted malt character.

Champion Mild received bronze in the Cask Dark British Beers category.

This beer alone has won over 20 awards since it was first brewed in 2002, including the prestigious Champion Beer of Britain award in 2007.

Shropshire Stout, rich stout secured runner up overall in the beer in keg awards.

The SIBA National Independent Beer Awards judged a huge range of beers across a number of styles in separate cask, keg and bottle & can competitions.

As the awards are judged mostly by brewers, industry experts and beer journalists the SIBA Independent Beer Awards are very much seen as the prestigious ‘Brewers’ choice Awards’ by the industry.

“We are thrilled to have won silver, bronze and overall runner up at the Wales and West SIBA awards,” said Nick Davies, who founded the brewery.

“The positive response to our beers is always fantastic to see and especially with Simcoe Chinook this year; it’s a special brew in collaboration with London brewery Brew by Numbers. We’re all chuffed that it’s been recognised at these awards along with our Champion Mild and Shropshire Stout.”

Over the last 26 years Hobsons Brewery has developed an established range of core cask ales and keg products.

Dedicated to an ethos of brewing with the finest quality, locally sourced ingredients teamed with sustainable technologies, Hobsons have received national and regional awards for flavour and green accolades for innovation.

South Shropshire is very much part of the growth in small indepedent breweries making beer with a distinctive flavour for local communities.

These often use special recipes and local ingredients.

Ludlow Brewery has announced an investment of £170,000 in new equipment as part of its growth plans.