Monty`s Brewery, based in Montgomery, have now sold over 20,000 pints of their Navigation Pale Ale and each pint resulted in a donation to support the restoration of the Montgomery Canal.

The ale, a 4.0 per cent strength light bitter, was introduced in April 2023 and was promoted by Shropshire Union Canal Society volunteers visiting pubs and explaining the idea to publicans.

Waterside pubs around the Shropshire network were targeted first but now the beer is sold by distributors in Wales, Lancashire and the Midlands.

Initially sold in casks, it is now also available bottled and is being sold both in selected off-licences and online directly from Monty`s Brewery.

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Anticipated yearly donations from beer sales are from £1,200 to £1,500. This sum will be used in applications to grant-giving bodies for what is called matched funding — Societies applying for grants are expected to raise a given amount themselves, normally 10 per cent.

Russ Honeyman, commercial director of Monty`s Brewery said: “Working with enthusiastic volunteers enhances our business; they promote the beer and give us regular communication on how the money is spent. Watching the progress made on the canal and being part of a great project is a real boost to our business”.

Dave Carter, chairman of Shropshire Union Canal Society said: "Working with local companies is a win–win situation; we both raise funds whilst helping economic growth. The volunteers love the beer as an extra bonus."