BOSSES and staff at a Hampshire brewery are raising their pint glasses after it was nominated for a prestigious award.

Upham Brewery near Bishop's Waltham has been shortlisted for this year’s Made in the South East Awards within the highly competitive food and drink category.

The awards, run by Insider Media, recognise companies based in the region that demonstrate excellence, innovation and quality in products and services.

Based just outside Winchester, Upham Brewery uses British hops and water from an on-site bore hole to create its three staple ales - Punter, Tipster and Stakes.

The firm also brews four seasonal ales each year, of which the current, Upham EPA, was named the most popular beer among 180 others at the recent Hampshire’s OctoberFest.

Upham is one of four companies to have made the ‘Food & Drink’ category shortlist with the winner being announced on 26 November 2015.

If Upham wins, the company will automatically be entered into the ‘Made in the UK Awards’, with the national final taking place next June as part of the International Festival of Business.

Director of Upham Brewery, David Butcher, said: “To be shortlisted for the ‘Made in the South East’ Awards is a great achievement for the team, especially when you consider the level of competition across the south east of England.

“We continue to be passionate about creating great quality beer, which is reflected by the loyalty of our stockists and another reason why we are now looking to expand.”