Commemorative Banks's beer a 'thank you' to city

The Sesquicentennial IPA will be available exclusively at the Wolverhampton Beer Festival

The makers of Banks's beers have said a specially-brewed IPA will be a "fitting tribute that honour the brewery's legacy".

Its brewery in Wolverhampton will cease operations in the autumn, after 150 years, with production moving to Burton-upon-Trent.

Carlsberg Britvic said its Sesquicentennial IPA would be available exclusively at the Wolverhampton Beer Festival from 24 to 26 July.

Julie Gale, senior production manager at Banks's, said: "This is a thank you to our drinkers, publicans, fellow brewers, our amazing, dedicated team at Banks's and everyone who's supported the brewery over the years."

Banks's Brewery opened in 1875, but last October the Carlsberg Marston's Brewing Company announced it would close as part of a company restructuring.

The brewery has had a close relationship with Camra's Wolverhampton Beer Festival since it started in 1977 and has a history of supplying limited-edition beers.

It described the anniversary beer as "dry hopped with Ahtanum, from Washington State, USA, and the new English variety, Opus, the beer has a bold floral aroma, with vivid flavours of orange and grapefruit citrus along with fragrant elderflower and subtle herbal hints."

The Banks's brewery in Wolverhampton opened in 1875

Ms Gale, who led the team brewing the Sesquicentennial IPA, said Banks's beers had "become a symbol of craft, heritage and local pride".

She added: "We're incredibly proud of what this brewery has stood for over the past 150 years, and we couldn't think of a better stage than the Wolverhampton Beer Festival to share this beer with the community."

Carlsberg Britvic also said it was working with local stakeholders to preserve items from the brewery.

They include the brewing ledgers, which will be entrusted to the Wolverhampton Archives, along with other documents.