MICROBREWERY Gyle 59 has something to celebrate after scooping a silver award at the Society of Independent Brewers' 23rd South West Regional Beer Festival.

Held at Tuckers Maltings in Newton Abbot, thousands of people came through the doors over the course of the three day festival.

More than 260 cask beers were blind-tasted by a panel of 132 judges, and the best three from each category were selected by a final panel.

The Thorncombe-based brewery was selected for a silver award in the Standard Bitters and Pale Ales category, for their Freedom Hiker 3.7 per cent amber session ale.

The brewery fought off stiff competition at the beer festival, which featured a wide range of independent breweries including established brands St Austell, Otter, Bath Ales and Palmers.

Jon Hosking, founder and head brewer at Gyle 59 said: “We are delighted that one of our beers has been chosen for an award in this highly competitive category.

"It is nice to see that 'unfined' beer is now becoming popular as it is usually more flavourful and can be enjoyed by vegetarians, vegans and omnivores alike."

Crucially, Gyle 59 does not add Isinglass finings - made from fish - to 'clear' their beers, maximising flavours and allowing their products to be enjoyed by almost everyone.

The company's founders said their mission is to produce beers that are distinctive, interesting and a pleasure to drink.

Committed to creating beers with flavour in mind, the brewery combines a unique supply of spring water with some of the best malts, most flavoursome hops and most effective yeasts to allow the many different qualities of the ingredients to shine through.

The brewery's award is the latest success for Gyle 59, as they are also releasing a new beer next month which has been created for Abbotsbury Garden's 250th anniversary celebration.