Tring Brewery's Side Pocket for a Toad is in the running against more than 60 beers competing for the National Beer Competition organised by the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA).

The competition held on yesterday (February 4) in Nottingham's Canalhouse pub – which has the longest bar in the country - brought together the winners of seven regional heats, including the East Anglia region, in which Tring Brewery triumphed last summer.

Judges will select winners from the 56 draught and seven bottled entries in nine categories, including mild and pale ales, stouts and fruit beers, and will choose a supreme champion.

Tring Brewery entered a bottled version of Side Pocket for a Toad.

Ben Marston, from the brewery, said: "This is a real thrill for us. We're up against the best beers from brewers across the country, so the competition will be tough and we'll be delighted to come away with one of the national titles to add to our ever-growing collection."

The 10 winning beers will be announced at SIBA's National Conference next month.

Winners are guaranteed a place on the Champions Bar at the Great British Beer Festival in London in August.