THIS MONTH marks a special anniversary for the Severn Valley Railway (SVR), one of the finest heritage railways in Britain, and local brewer Hobsons is aboard to help celebrations with a special promotion on its Manor Ale.

This year the Severn Valley Railway is celebrating its golden jubilee, opening back in July 6 1965. Hobsons Brewery, located on the borders of Shropshire and Worcestershire in the heartland of Severn Valley Railway, has been brewing Manor Ale since 1996 and has gone onto commit its future support by becoming a member of the Severn Valley Railway’s Charitable Trust.

Hobsons Manor Ale proudly displays on its label steam locomotive 7812 Erlestoke Manor, which is currently in regular service on the Severn Valley Railway.

The Erlestoke Manor Fund (EMF) owns 7812 together with 7802 Bradley Manor, which is due to return to service in the autumn to feature in the SVR’s Manor 50 celebrations in November.

Des Ainsworth, EMF trustee, said: “The fund is very grateful for the support Hobsons Brewery is giving to the Severn Valley Railway, especially in its golden jubilee year, and for its ongoing promotion of the Manor Class of Locomotives.”

During the month of July Hobsons is running a special promotion as part of the 50th Anniversary with a number of Hobsons pubs and retailers taking part in the celebrations by offering customers the opportunity to claim a limited edition Manor tankard and enter into a prize draw to win freedom of the line family tickets.

Kate Pearce of Hobsons Brewery said: "Our Manor Ale is a traditional amber bitter that hints of bygone times, this month we've brewed Manor in cask allowing the pubs to stock it on draught for the first time, as it’s only normally produced in bottles. Plus we have sourced a traditional dimpled tankard to go with the promotion, which we hope will become a collectable."