An award-winning beer maker based in Braintree has appointed a new head brewer.

Bishop Nick, founded in Felsted in 2011 by Nelion Ridley, has recruited Alexander Ratter from Might Oak Brewing Company in Maldon.

Over his 18 years with the company Mr Ratter built an impressive reputation and won many industry awards including Camra's Champion Beer of Britain in 2011.

Mr Ratter said: "After achieving so much with one company I felt eager to explore new challenges with a young, vibrant, growing and forward-looking brewery, so when the opportunity to work at Bishop Nick arose, it was not one that I could turn down.

"I'm very much looking forward to working with Nelion and Libby Ridley and the Bishop Nick team to further their success and expansion in future years."

Bishop Nick, which now operates from East Street, Braintree, won a silver overall in the Champion Beer of Britain awards last year for their brew Ridley's Rite.

Now the 20 barrel brewery is hoping the new addition to the team can propel them to even greater industry success in the coming years.

Mr Ridley said: "Alex is an exceptional brewer with a fantastic reputation and comes from one of the region’s leading breweries.

"We look forward to embracing his passion for brewing good beer and his considerable experience as we launch into this new chapter for Bishop Nick.”

Visit www.bishopnick.com.