When you are out on the town this New Year's Eve, do not forget to raise a glass to Lincolnshire's micro-breweries.

Brewers are doing well in the county, despite the gloom and doom of recession that has surrounded small businesses this year, but this golden time for Lincolnshire's alcohol-producers can only last as long as the customer supports them.

So when you are getting a round in, remember to take a chance on a local ale rather than just ordering your usual.

Steve Renshaw, a member of Lincoln's branch of CAMRA, said: "People can look out for the CAMRA pump clip saying that something is from a local brewery.

"Nationally, we are running a campaign to support breweries by getting free pubs to get in ales from nearby producers.

"Looking at it carefully, we said that they should try to use a brewery within 25 miles.

"It cuts down on beer miles so it reduces costs and saves the environment, it also means small brewers are being supported which is really important."

Despite news of pubs closing, struggling and failing, micro-breweries seem to be going strong.

Mr Renshaw said: "Micro-breweries seem to be on an upturn. It is a quality product and ale is becoming increasingly popular with different groups."

One micro-brewery celebrating several coups is Poachers Brewery in North Hykeham.

George Batterbee, who owns the brewery and currently runs it single-handedly, is into his second year of a deal with local Asda stores and is in the middle of expanding.

"I just can't produce enough to meet demand at the moment," said Mr Batterbee.

"The extra kit should get me up to producing about 270 gallons a week."