A NEW Inverkeithing brewery has won an award less than a year after it launched its first bottle range.

Inner Bay Brewery returned from the SIBA National Independent Beer Awards in Liverpool with a bronze for their ‘Jasper’ dark ale.

Kate Russell, a native of New Zealand, brews all her own products from her house in Inverkeithing.

She told the Press: “We are delighted our beer is competing at a national level after such a short period of time.

"We are a tiny brewery in comparison to most of the competitors but we have been encouraged by the support shown by local groups, Fife businesses and the community both stocking and enjoying our ales.

“This award is vindication of their taste and their faith in local products.”

Kate and her partner, Jed Martens, have always had a passion for food and drink, but it was in 2016 that they started experimenting with beer.

"They showcased their products at small festivals but took the leap to launch their own range of four beers last year.

Kate added: “My background is in biology so I’m interested in the research and development side.

“I’m a mum of three young kids so at the moment I’m working three days a week for the brand but it has taken over my life so I’m working a lot of evenings too!

“We would love to get some premises and even employ some people too. Starting a business is hard because I’m learning to do a lot of things that are not in my remit but it’s good fun.”