A LOCAL brewery's well-known Victory Ale has received a Silver award in the National Beer Competition.

The family-run, Batemans Brewery of Wainfleet scooped the award when winners of the competition held by by the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) were announced last week in Stratford-on-Avon.

The Victory Ale won the award in the Strong Ale category (5.6 ABV and above). Victory Ale with an ABV of 6 percent, is described by the brewery as 'a full flavoured and aromatic strong pale ale with a fruity aroma, a malty palate and an exquisite hop character'.

It was one of just 27 beers to win a national title, from the 1,400 that entered the initial stages of the competition. To succeed, Victory Ale had to come through one of seven regional heats, followed by a final judging in Nottingham last month for the short-listed 63 beers.

Batemans Sales Director, Andrew Reed, said: "We are very proud of our beers and delighted to win this award. We're grateful to everyone at our brewery, and to the many people locally who have helped us by drinking our beer."