Salopian Brewery in Shrewsbury has taken two of the top Awards in the National Beer Competition held by the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA).

The winners were announced last week in Stratford-on-Avon.

The brewery’s Darwin’s Origin a light copper coloured fruity ale brewed to celebrate the bicentennial of Charles Darwin’s birth was judged Champion Beer in the Best Bitter Category.

It was one of just nine beers to win a national title, from the 1,400 that entered the initial stages of the competition.

To succeed, Darwin’s Origin had to come through one of seven regional heats, followed by a final judging in Nottingham last month for the short-listed 63 beers.

What’s more the bottle version of Darwin’s Origin was runner up in the National Bottled Beer Competition.

Darwin’s Origin is an eclectic mix of hops from across the world but this blend produces a beer that offers something to everyone. Crisp, tart, fruity and refreshing but also with a juicy malt background.

The brainchild of Salopian Brewery's officer manager Debbie Turner, the beer was brewed to celebrate Shrewsbury’s most famous son Charles Darwin.