A MALDON brewery has picked up a prestigious award for one of its beers.

The Mighty Oak Brewing Company's 'Captain Bob' scooped a gold award in the session bitters category of the Campaign for Real Ale’s Champion Beers of East Anglia competition.

The popular ale - a "traditional deep amber bitter" - is named after the late Captain Bob Roberts, who skippered the Thames Sailing Barge Cambria up and down the East Anglian coast and into the London docks.

Captain Roberts also penned stories of the sea and many sea shanties, which are still sung today.

Brewery directors John Boyce and Gill Crawford received the award from Maldon and Dengie CAMRA chairman James Burrell-Cook at a presentation evening at the Mighty Oak Brewery Tap Room, in Maldon High Street.

Mr Burrell-Cook said: “Mighty Oak consistently wins awards in regional and national competitions with their excellent beers.

"When you consider that there are now over 150 breweries in East Anglia, and nearly 2,500 breweries nationwide, it shows how fortunate we are to have such well-brewed beer on our doorstep.”

Mr Boyce said: “Brewing in Maldon for the last 23 years has been an absolute pleasure, and thanks to the continued loyalty of real ale pubs and enthusiasts, we will continue to brew for many years to come.”

Mighty Oak's 'Oscar Wilde' has also won gold in the milds category of CAMRA’s Champion Beers of East Anglia 2023 competition.

An award presentation will be held at the South Woodham Ferrers Beer Festival in the village hall, which runs from October 5-7.