A new Kent craft gin has entered the market - the first to be sold in a reusable flask.

Cantium uses botanicals including cobnuts, lavender, blackberries and hops - all of which are sourced from within the Sevenoaks and Maidstone areas.

But the team behind the product hope its reusable container, which can be used to keep drinks hot or cold once the gin has gone, will be its secret to standing out in an already crowded marketplace.

The brand is the brainchild of Kevin Andrews, from Borough Green.

What started as a hobby has now become a business which he runs alongside his wife Katie.

She explains: "We have already started selling to local independent retailers, pubs and restaurants in and around where we live, as well as our own website."

Cantium, the Roman word for Kent, has a logo inspired by a mosaic tile found at Lullingstone Roman Villa.

Adds Kevin: "The gin market is a crowded one; so at the forefront of my mind was ‘if you’re going to join this party you better bring something new’."

Customers can return any unwanted flasks to the firm and they will be donated to its charity partner, Warming Up The Homeless, where they will be used to keep soups and other food warm for the homeless this winter.

The brand is just one of a number of gin providers in the county who have looked to capitalise on the trend for the drink.

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