CLEOBURY Mortimer Royal British Legion (RBL) is celebrating 90 years with the launch of its own beer.

Hobsons Brewery has launched a special edition beer called Old Comrade commemorating the 90th anniversary of the RBL branch in Cleobury Mortimer, home of the Shropshire Brewery.

The RBL was founded in May 1921 and Cleobury was quick off the mark setting up a local branch in July 1921.

This makes the south Shropshire town one of the oldest branches in the country and possibly the first to have its own beer, brewed using locally sourced hops.

The commemorative beer is available in bottles from a range of stockists and local pubs. A total of 5p from each bottle sale will be donated to the Poppy Appeal.

Cleobury RBL launched its special beer at the Bell Inn, Cleobury, with the help of long-standing member George Poyner.

At the age of 91, George is a popular figure in the RBL and in 2002 he was awarded the MBE for his work in the community, receiving the honour from the Prince of Wales.

This year, George has not only been celebrating 90 years of the RBL but also 70 years of marriage to wife Elsie.

In July, Cleobury RBL is planning to host a number of events to celebrate the anniversary, including an exhibition, a parade, a film show, a concert, a fish and chip supper and a special Enigma evening hosted at Hobsons Brewery, with a 1920s theme.

Nick Davis, from Hobsons Brewery, said: “We are very proud to have one of the first founded RBL branches in the country and felt compelled to support their celebrations and create something which could be enjoyed by members, but which also allowed us to give something back.”