THE Catholic community in Stroud has launched its very own beer called Benedict’s Beer.

Fr David Ryan, of The Church of the Immaculate Conception in Beeches Green, Stroud, said: "Some of my parishioners from the Village Inn in Nailsworth suggested that we order some of our very own beer and choose a label for it.

"We were tempted to call it Pope Benedict’s Tipple but settled on the alliterative Benedict’s Beer."

The beer was launched at the One Parish Mass, in St Rose's field, Beeches Green on Saturday, July 17 where other activities included a six-a-side football game between a Bristol Rovers all-star team and a parish team.

Stroud MP Neil Carmichael joined Fr Ryan in sampling the beer after presenting the prizes to the winners of the football match.