PINTS are pouring from Ludlow Brewery as it prepares for further growth in 2013.

The brewery is toasting a successful 2012 which saw it take on new staff and increase capacity.

Investment in the business means that a new 20 barrel fermentation vessel was added to the three that were already in place.

Ludlow Brewery, which now employs 20 people, has also increased the amount of beer that it sends for bottling.

The brewery produces five different strength ales and has a policy of using local ingredients whenever possible.

Its hops come from Lambswick near Tenbury.

It has been in its new premises for two years and will be holding the first beer festival of the year when it stages the second annual St Valentine’s Ale Massacre.

This will take place on the evening of Friday, February 15 and all day on Saturday, February 16.

Entry is free and the event at the brewery is open to families.