A NEW bitter launched in honour of a renowned Gloucestershire author has become only the second beer in the country to be named after a poet or writer.

Uley Brewery has launched the beer with the permission of Laurie Lee's wife, Cathy.

Brewery director Chas Wright said: "Only one other beer has been named after a writer or poet, Brain's Brewery launched a Dylan Thomas beer but it was a fizzy, smooth keg beer which probably had him turning in his grave.

"We've named a proper beer after Laurie Lee. As a lot of people know, he was a beer man and enjoyed drinking in his local at The Woolpack Inn in Slad."

Mr Lee made several visits to Uley Brewery during his life and was said to enjoy drinking beers produced by village brewery.

The Laurie Lee bitter is described as hoppy and multi-flavoured but Mr Wright said the best test will be for people to try it.

Cathy Lee provided some original artwork for the brewery to use to illustrate the new beer.

She will be at the official launch of the beer at The Woolpack Inn in Slad on August 22. The beer will be also be unveiled at Frocester Beer Festival that weekend.

Pictured: Chas Wright with a pint of the new bitter