STAFF at a Forest micro-brewery have toasted success with their first national awards for two craft beers.

The Bespoke Brewery, at Mitcheldean, has won two gold awards from the Society of Independent Brewers’ Association.

Head brewer Steve Williams, who has seen production double since it was founded by entrepreneur Mike Bayliss in 2012, went to the championships in Sheffield to receive the awards.

Brewery manager Steve Watson said: “It’s the first time we have won awards in a national beer competition.

“The past year has been phenomenal for us – we have taken on new staff to cope with increased production of our beers.”

The winning brews were King’s Shilling, which won gold in the bottled mild category, and Over a Barrel which took top spot in the porter, stout and old ales section.