THREE breweries in Cumbria have made their debut appearance in the Good Beer Guide 2016.

The recently established Chadwick's Brewery, of Kendal, Tarn Hows Brewery, near Hawkshead, and Appleby Brewery all made the cut into the upcoming year's ale-lover's catalogue.

Roger Protz, the book's editor, said: “British brewing has never been in better health, with a third consecutive year of over ten per cent growth and more different beers being brewed than ever before.

"The range of beers available to beer drinkers now is colossal and we’re seeing real competition between pubs who want to serve the best selection of real ales, making the Good Beer Guide 2016 an indispensable book for those looking for the best pubs.”

The newcomers are three of 38 in the breweries listed for Cumbria while 88 of the county's pubs are featured.

Appleby Brewery, in the Eden market town's Cross Croft Industrial Estate, began operations earlier this year when owner Fred Mills bit the bullet and gave up his day job to pursue the liquid dream.

Using traditional methods, the brewery uses predominantly classic English malts and hops to produce beers with an equally traditional taste and feel.

"To be listed so soon in the Good Beer Guide is a huge fillip for us," said Mr Mills. "Starting up a new business from scratch is hard work and poorly paid.

"Endorsements from customers really can give you a lift when times are tough and this listing just gives the spirits a massive boost.

"We are shortly going to move into larger, tourist-friendly premises where we will invite tourists and members of the community in to see what we are doing."

Tarn Hows Brewery, which claims to be the county's 'smallest', set up last November and are already proving a success.

Brewers Alastair Kirk and Kelly Barbenson received a Beer of the Festival Award from Liverpool CAMRA in July and their tipples were sold out at the Ulverston Beer Festival this month.

Mr Kirk thanked the local CAMRA team for their support.

Meanwhile, Barngates Brewery, near Ambleside, has been given a joint bronze title in the Best Bitter Class in the Champion Beer of Britain awards 2015.