A MICRO-BREWERY in Wiltshire has launched a new product so people can enjoy their specially brewed real ales in the comfort of their own homes.

The Box Steam Brewery, which brews three different ales made with locally sourced barley and hops, has started to sell their ale in 10 and 20 litre boxes.

"Beer in a Box" is the brainchild of 25-year-old Gordon King, who manages the brewery and prices start at £28.

Mr King said: "We've done parties, hog roasts, family gatherings and all sorts so far - and we can deliver the boxes to people's houses so it makes it a lot easier.

"Unlike the barrels we deliver to pubs, we take the sediment out so it doesn't matter if it's moved about a bit, it will still be ok to drink straight away."

The boxes are similar to the ones used for wine with a polypin bag inside them, making it easier to pour the beer out from the small tap at the base of the box.

Each one is filled to order from the site of the brewery, in between Box and Colerne, which guarantees the freshness of the beer.

And if 10 or 20 litres prove too much to drink, they also produce four-and-a-half pint carrykeg's too.

The brewery has gone from strength to strength since it was taken over earlier this year by the managers of the Cross Guns pub in Avoncliff and The Inn at Freshford.

As well as the three original ales: Rev Awdry's Ale, Tunnel Vision and Blind House, the brewery has created a Christmas special, Figgy Pudding.

This is stronger, darker and is made with chocolate malt barley from Warminster Maltings - Britain's oldest working floor maltings.

The beer is produced in a Fulton steam boiler inherited from Bath Ales on tiny premises on Oaks Farm.

For Mr King, the opportunity to run the brewery came at just the right time: "I went into teaching after university but while I was in New Zealand on holiday I realised my heart wasn't really in it. I came back to England and went back to work behind the bar at The Cross Guns.

"When the landlord bought the brewery he asked me if I wanted to run it and the rest is history."

The brewery was an attraction at this year's Colerne Festival and is regularly stocked in pubs across the county.

Mr King is hoping his Christmas special Figgy Pudding will be a success and will be busy creating a summer special in the New Year.

To order Beer in a Box call 07887 745299 or 07747 132905.