A BRAINTREE brewery has been handed a prestigous award.

Bishop Nick has been given a gold star Great Taste award for its Heresy golden ale.

The brewery, which is based in East Street, had submitted its products to the Great Taste judges who had to do the bulk of their judging virtually due to coronavirus.

An estimated 12,777 products were sent in from 106 different countries but Bishop Nick's golden ale was one of the few chosen for a gold star.

It means the firm can display the prestigious Great Taste logo on its product.

Director Libby Ridley said: "In 2019 we were awarded gold star Great Taste awards for our Ridley's Rite and our amber ale 1555.

"The logo has added value to our business in terms of credibility, opening doors to new retailers, and ultimately increasing sales. So this award for our golden ale makes it a hat-trick for our core brands."

The panel of judges this year included cooks Melissa Hemsley and Anna Jones, celebrated Spanish chef, José Pizarro, and baker Martha Collison.