A RYEDALE brewer has reached the finals of a national beer competition.

Brass Castle Brewery, in Yorkersgate, Malton, is taking its Sunshine India Pale Ale to Sheffield next month, to compete against brews from across the country.

The ale earned its place at the BeerX National Beer Competition 2014 organised by the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) by winning the cask Strong Bitters category in the regional heat.

It was also chosen as the Overall Champion of the Northeast Regional competition.

Brass Castle head brewer Phil Saltonstall said: “We are very proud of our beers and delighted to have this opportunity to compete on a national stage, against some of the finest beers from all over the UK.

“Obviously, we’re hoping to come home from BeerX with a medal, but we’re happy just to be going to Sheffield and introducing our beer to hundreds of drinkers who haven’t tried it before.

“We’re grateful to everyone who has helped us to brew great beer, and to the many local pubs, shops and drinkers who have supported us.”

Julian Grocock, SIBA chief executive, said: “The number of smaller brewers has grown rapidly over recent years, so competition at our regional heats has become increasingly fierce.

“To win at this stage and go through to the BeerX National Beer Competition is a mark of a quality beer and Brass Castle Brewery should be proud of their achievement. ”

The Sunshine India Pale Ale will be on the bar at next month’s Beertown event, which is taking place in Malton’s Milton Rooms on March 21 and 22.

Sunshine will be one of more than 25 UK beers available, alongside cider and beer cocktails.

Beertown, which will include live music and food stalls is being organised by Brass Castle and Bad Seed Brewery, which is also based in Malton.

Main bands for the event include The Shiznitz and Lancashire-based The Lumberjack Cowboy Heartbreak Trucking Company on the Friday, followed by Pocklington-based The Patron Saints on Saturday.

Additional bands will play on the Saturday and the event will have a DJ on-hand between live sets.

Phil said: “Beers are beginning to roll in from top breweries around the UK and so far we’ve taken delivery of beer from Siren, Tiny Rebel and Dem Bones breweries – with many more to come.

“The plan has always been to achieve the widest range of beer styles possible – and we’re well on the way.”

Tickets are now available from the Beertown website at beertown.moonfruit.com

They cost £6 each day – which includes entry to the event and the bands, a festival glass and a beer from each of Malton’s own Brass Castle and Bad Seed breweries.