Craven Arms ale marks centenary of war

The Poppy Ale will help boost funds throughout the Royal British Legion after being brewed by Wood's.

The Craven Arms-based brewery has teamed up with members of the Shropshire Poppy Appeal.

The ale was officially launched at Tanners Wines in Bridgnorth High Street on Tuesday.

Edward Wood, managing director of Wood's, said: "We are proud to support the Poppy Appeal in such a momentous year because the work they do now with the current generation of service personnel is just as important as it was back in the period following the Great War."

The brewer will be donating 6p of every bottle of Poppy Ale sold to the Royal British Legion.

Draught

The 4.5 per cent bitter, made with Fuggles and Goldings hops, has been designed to reflect the type of beer that would have been available 100 years ago.

A draught version of Poppy Ale will be available in pubs across Shropshire to coincide with the anniversary of the outbreak of the Great War on Monday.

Peter Whalley, community fundraiser for the Poppy Appeal in Shropshire, said: "We are delighted the brewery is supporting us in this way.

"The money will help fund the £1.6 million we need each week, more than £83 million a year, to provide direct lifelong support to our armed forces and their families."

Poppy Ale will be available in selected bars, restaurants, stores and Tanners in Bridgnorth.