ALCESTER-based Purity Brewing Co is set to become the first ever drinks company to receive the Red Tractor assurance mark.

The Red Tractor mark is given out to foods produced in the UK using British farmed ingredients and securing the mark involves a long and thorough inspection and examination process.

The brewery is still relatively new and directors Paul Halsey, Jim Minkin and Paul Evans started the business on the site of Upper Spernal Farm with funding from Defra.

Purity director Paul Halsey, said: "We're really excited to be the first brewery to display the Red Tractor stamp. This reflects our commitment to using only British farmed produce in all of our ales.

"Including the symbol on our ales will work to reassure consumers and demonstrates our support for British farming."

The mark comes into force with Purity's new Farmer's Harvest beer, which has been brewed to commemorate 100 years of the National Farmers Union (NFU).

Colin Smith, chairman of Assured Food Standards, added: "We are delighted to award Purity with the first ever Red Tractor assurance mark for a brewery. This is the latest exciting development as an ever increasing number of businesses join Red Tractor.

"We hope other breweries will follow Purity's lead and commit to sourcing farm assured British ingredients."

More information on the new beer and Red Tractor mark can be found online at www.puritybrewing.com.