Recently in York, The Society of Independent Brewers Association announced the national winners for the beers of the year 2008. Gravitas a pale but strong bitter from Vale Brewery was announced as the best Premium Bitter for 2008.

Ian Mackey, general manager of Vale Brewery said he was delighted to receive the award.

He added: "To be judged by our own peers is a superb accolade, Gravitas was first created in August 2007, and to win an award after only seven months is a fantastic tribute to our dedicated and innovative brewery team. This is a real boost to all the Vale staff, but also should provide a springboard for further growth and increase employment prospects in Brill."

Mr Mackey said the brewery is now concentrating on trying to find more local publicans to take the beers.

He said: "As well as supporting local companies, there is an environmental benefit. Buying beer from Vale Brewery in Brill, rather than the national brewers reduces the miles your pint had travelled"

Vale Brewery was established by Phil and Mark Stevens, in Haddenham in 1995. Capacity expanded several times and it now operates from a larger unit at The Tramway Business Park in Brill. They now employ 32 local staff in the brewery and four pubs including the Hop Pole in Aylesbury and The Royal Oak in Oakley .

The beers are hand crafted using traditional methods, with whole cone hops; floor malted barley and the absence of any added artificial ingredients, chemicals or preservatives.