What better way to mark the return of a popular show - than its own bespoke beer.

Tractor Shed Brewing has taken over the running of the beer tent at Cockermouth Show and came up with the idea of creating a unique ale in its honour.

The agricultural show which attracts thousands of people will be take place on Saturday on Low Road.

The 170th Cockermouth Show was originally due to take place on August 1, 2020. It had to be cancelled that year, and last year, due to the pandemic.

The hard-working committee was delighted to sign up the Workington brewery to run the beer tent.

Norma Boyes, who took over the busy role of secretary 35 years ago, said: "Tractor Shed Brewing will be the running beer tent on our behalf.

"We always like to support local people and businesses. They were pleased to support us and came up with the idea of the beer."

The company is run by Graeme Mitchell and based on his family's farm.

"We are obviously over the moon to be taking on responsibility for the beer tent and wanted to do something a bit different," said Graeme.

"We asked Norma and the committee if they liked the idea of a Cockermouth Show Ale - and they did.

"We created a recipe and they came along to help us start the brewing."

It has been put in barrels this week and will be delivered to the show field later in the week.

They have used a heritage malt barley and experimental British hops grown in the UK. "So it's a mix of old and new," said Graeme, who describes it as a "nice, easy drinking refreshing light ale".

He is delighted to be supporting the farming community, having come from a farming family. The brewery is on his family farm, in the building which tractors used to be kept in.

"We have a long history of farming in my family but have diversified into brewing. It's a nice fit," said Graeme.

Mrs Boyes is hoping lots of people will support the show, which has something for everyone.

"I think it will be l nice to all get together again. It's a great event for the town and we're grateful for everyone's support," she said.

She enjoyed a trip to the brewery with Alastair Lloyd, the show's finance director, and Roy Jenkinson, honorary life member and treasurer of the Herdwick Sheep Society.

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