ARKELL’S celebrated the launch of a special ale yesterday to mark this year’s Stratton Festival, which takes place throughout July.

Plans to create a special festival ale – complete with festival colours of green – began last year, and so far the plans have gone down well with local residents.

Alex Arkell, master brewer at Arkell’s, has been brewing for four years and brewed the ale especially for the festival.

He said: “I specifically wanted to make a summery brew, a light, crisp, easy-drinking beer.

“We’ve been here 150 years this year and we’ve always been part of the community and we try to get involved in local events, and making a beer for the festival seemed suitable. We’ve been here as long as Stratton has really.”

Only one batch of the ale has been brewed so far, and will be available only in the Stratton pubs until it runs out.

Coun Anne Chalk, (Stratton St Margaret), said: “I think it’s really special that they have gone to all this trouble to do this and it’s just what we need to promote the festival. Alex has a real passion for what he does.

“It’s really nice, you can definitely taste the hops.”

John Foley, chairman of the parish council, said: “I’d like to thank Arkells and particularly Alex for brewing this delicious festival ale, which all parishioners should try at least once. I urge everyone to come to the festival on July 20 to try it at the beer and cider tent and also to try it at the Stratton Stroll this weekend.”