Faversham brewery Shepherd Neame is raising a glass to toast its success after its festive ale won a top accolade.

The company's Christmas Ale was presented with a Gold Medal at the International Brewing and Cider Awards - dubbed the Oscars of the brewing world.

Held at the National Brewery Centre in Burton-upon-Trent, the seasonal ale triumphed in the strong beer category - for those with an ABV between 7-9.9%.

A panel of expert industry judges blind tasted hundreds of beers and ciders submitted by brewers and cider-makers from around the world.

Mike Unsworth, Shepherd Neame head brewer, said: “Christmas Ale is one of our favourite traditions, a full-bodied, complex beer with hints of spice and mulled fruits. We are very proud of this glowing amber winter beer and it is wonderful that it has been recognised as world class.”

It is the latest in a series of accolades for Shepherd Neame’s beers, with other recent wins including 1698 being named the Best Pale Bitter over 5.5% ABV in the World Beer Awards, its Bear Island East Coast Pale Ale and Bear Island Triple Hopped Lager taking gold awards in the British Bottlers’ Institute Competition; and Strong Pale Ale receiving a highly commended honour in the Great British Food Awards.