An Ipswich brewer has scooped a silver award from the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA).

The Briarbank Brewing Company, based at Ipswich Waterfront, was presented with the SIBA East Independent Beer Award for its popular brown ale Briar Cobnut, loosely based on the old Tolly Cobbold Cobnut.

The firm was presented with the award at Elgood and Sons Brewery in Wisbech.

Buster Grant, SIBA chairman, said: “Judges had a hard time separating the pack as the standard was extremely high once again.

“The winners from the SIBA competition are officially the best independent craft beers in the East region, something brewers should be extremely proud of.”

Robert Lewis-Pyke, brewer at Briarbank, said: “It was a great event to be part of, and we are proud that our Briar Cobnut won silver in its category. And of course, it is always good to meet other brewers from the region, too”