To celebrate its 175th anniversary, Hook Norton Brewery has begun brewing a range of special beers.

The first of these is the 175 Strong Ale 7.5 per cent - a robust, dark red brew with a fruity taste, and a hint of spice, which combines three English hops.

Hook Norton Brewery managing director James Clarke said: "We started the idea of brewing some anniversary beers a few years ago, when on a whim as we were 167 years old, we decided to brew 1 beer at 6.7 per cent.

"We have continued this tradition every year since bringing us to our 175th year.

"The 175 Strong Ale is based on our iconic Old Hooky recipe, but brewed to a much higher strength and is a beer to share, to enjoy and to respect."

The beer's label features a photograph of the main brewery's construction around 1890 to incorporate to the brewery's founders.

The brewery was a six-story ornamental tower designed by architect, William Bradford, who was known for his distinctive decorative style.

Hook Norton's Victorian brewery, made of brick, ironstone, cast iron and timber, revolutionised the brewing process with its gravity-assisted method.

Much of the original brewing equipment and machinery is still used.

The 175 Strong Ale is a limited edition release, available in 500ml bottles exclusively from the brewery shop and online.