THE widespread appeal of beer was highlighted by Midlands brewers at an event organised by the British Beer and Pub Association Midland Counties, held at the Severn Valley Railway's King and Castle pub in Kidderminster and Railwayman's Arms in Bridgnorth.

Several brewers launched their latest seasonal ales to coincide with the launch of the industry's Beautiful Beer campaign in the region.

Among the beers were Will 'O' Wisp from Holden's Brewery at Woodsetton, Dudley, Resistance Ale brewed by Herefordshire's Wye Valley Brewery and First Light from the Hook Norton Brewery, near Banbury.

Guests were also able to taste Batham's Bitter and XXX produced by Batham's at the Delph Brewery in Brierley Hill and Old Empire from the Marston's Brewery at Burton upon Trent.

The beers were chosen as an example of the diversity of styles and complexity of flavours that are available from beers brewed in the Midlands.

The event also emphasised how Britain's national drink can complement food - a central platform of the Beautiful Beer campaign, which is aiming to encourage more consumers to make beer their drink of choice on more occasions.

On hand to guide drinkers through a tasting was former Marston's Brewery head brewer, Paul Bayley, who was head brewer at the Burton upon Trent brewery for 18 years.

As well as brewing one of the country's best-selling ales, Marston's Pedigree, he was instrumental in developing a range of seasonal ales sold under the banner of Head Brewer's Choice.