A NORTH-EAST man was named the country's top brewer, after 31 years of vying for the title.
Keith Simpson, 71, of Darlington Road, Hartburn, Stockton, won the national wine-making title in 1986, but the master brewer title has eluded him until now.
He took four firsts, a second and three fifth places in 12 beer classes at the recent annual National Association of Wine and Beer Makers' (NAWB) competition.
He said: "I am over the moon. I have been showing beer at the nationals for 31 years and I have finally done it so I am quite pleased with myself."
It was a double triumph for the national association's members from Hartburn, with fellow wine and beermaker Charles Shelton picking up the NAWB Master Trophy.
Mr Shelton gained the most points in the competition and picked up two awards to win the top prize.
Alan Eldert, chairman of the association, said Mr Simpson's victory was popular with members because he had waited so long for it. He said: "Keith was a very popular winner."
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