GAZETTE & HERALD: A GROUP of beer-making entrepreneurs in Box claim their latest venture has all the right ingredients to brew success.

The village will roll out the barrel this month when the Box Steam Brewery starts production of three new ales, each named after a famous person or place in the village.

The hoppy, ruby-coloured Rev. Awdry's beer is named after the famous author of children's favourite Thomas the Tank Engine, who lived at Lane House, in Box, next to the A4.

Tunnel Vision is named in tribute to Isambard Kingdom Brunel's epic feat of engineering at Box tunnel. Blindhouse gets its name from a windowless building in the village, where it is believed drunks used to go to sleep off the booze.

The new brewery is the brainchild of the landlord of The Bear pub, in Box, Marshall Ewart, and Mark Hempleman-Adams, the brother of intrepid Wiltshire explorer David.

Both are real ale enthusiasts who have attended several brewing courses to get to grips with the mysteries of the perfect pint.

The brewery's marketing officer Paul Dabson, said: "It's an exciting time and people have been really enthusiastic and forthcoming with help and ideas.

"It's still early days, but we're hoping it will be available in as many free houses as possible."

Mr Dabson said there was still a lot of work to be done at the brewery at Oaks Farm, including plumbing and engineering.

He said he expects the company's first brew will be completed at the end of June.