Arkell's head brewer Don BracherTHE sunshine months are finally here and to celebrate Swindon brewery Arkell's has launched its summer beer.

And Arkell's head brewer Don Bracher has taken time out from work to down a pint from the first cask of this year's Summer Ale along with Martin Holmes, the assistant manager at the Crown pub in Stratton.

Mr Bracher even donned his special summer shirt and shorts in celebration as the sun came out.

Arkell's Summer Ale first appeared in 1994 and it was one of the brewery's earliest seasonal ales, launched in response to demands from drinkers for a lighter ale suitable for the hotter weather.

The brewery claims that since then it has become one of its most enduring and best-loved seasonal ales, with a clean and refreshing taste, which should be served cold.

It is a four per cent alcohol by volume light coloured beer brewed from specially malted barley and continental Styrian Golding hops.

James Arkell, the brewery's managing director, said: "Despite its light colour, Summer Ale has got good legs, just like our head brewer and it certainly offers more taste than the shirt he's wearing."

The brewery is hosting another stunt today, when director George Arkell will be abseiling down the front of the building in Hyde Road, Stratton,

This is to promote the national Great Arkell's Adventure campaign, with a giant pub treasure hunt being staged throughout the summer.