Something special is brewing at Arkell's for the festive season.

The Swindon-based family brewery is starting work on its annual Christmas tipple Noel's Ale which should be available to the public in December.

The festive brew, which has been brewed every Christmas season for more than 20 years, is dubbed Noel's Ale after the late Sir Noel Arkell, who was born on Christmas Day 1893.

He was the father of current chairman Peter Arkell and grandfather of managing director James.

The 5.5 per cent alcohol tipple is the brewery's strongest beer and has a golden colour and a malty hoppy flavour.

One of the brewing team said: "It is usually a very good seller. We are fermenting it this week and it will be racked up next week in time for it to be taken to the pubs.

"This is something we have been doing a long time and it is usually very popular."

Head brewer DonBrasher said: "This is a fine beer.

"It is very well balanced and ideal to drink in the pub and take one home."

Arkell's is the oldest business in Swindon, at 157 years old, and is one of only 34 breweries left in the country. The brewery itself is one of the finest examples of a Victorian steam brewery anywhere in the world and the beer is still made using original methods.

The company, which just yesterday opened its 99th pub, the Jovial Monk in Abbey Meads, also owns five clubs and an off-licence.

And it runs a successful vintners which is a major force in the wines and spirits trade.